The 11th installment of the Halloween film series was released into theaters on Friday, Oct. 19.
This American slasher film was directed by David Gordon Green and was written by Green, Jeff Fradley and Danny McBride.
It follows the story of sinister serial killer, Michael Myers, and the after effects of his murder spree from 40 years ago. The cinematic experience pulls you into the suspense as Myers comes back to Haddonfield, Illinois.
After a killing spree on Halloween night in 1978, Myers escapes during his prison transfer and returns to Haddonfield, Illinois. There, Laurie Strode lives, preparing for the return of Myers.
For those who have yet to watch the original Halloween (1978), Strode is a victim of the ‘babysitter murders’ committed by Myers. In his return, Strode strives to protect herself and her family in a vow to end Myers’s reign of terror for good.
Both Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode) and Nick Castle (Michael Myers) return to play their roles in this suspenseful installment. Curtis once again takes command of the screen as Strode, with a mix of authority and nervous energy showing that Strode is a formidable fighter that knows what she is up against.
Castle certainly provides the ominous, eerie feeling you have after viewing his suspenseful role as the serial killer. The angles used in this film make sure Myers is not seen just as a hulking brute, but as a “blink and you miss him” type.
There are a few standouts that are worth recognizing among the main cast. Toby Huss (Ross) does a great job at the “awkward dad” moments and gives us another person in the franchise to connect with. Virginia Gardner (Vicky) and the young boy, Julian, portrayed by Jibrail Nantambu, give us a set of hilarious dialogue that provides the audience a break from the gore.
The soundtrack of this movie is something else to note as well. As the suspense grew, the music accompaniment matched perfectly. The theatrical components were also very realistic, leaving the audience on the edge of their seat.
The back stories and insight to the characters throughout the film is done so in a way that does not give an exhaustive history and keeps the audience speculative and appreciative.
I would recommend this movie to everyone; those who have watched the previous Halloween installments and even those who have not. Those who are looking for gore, you have found it. This movie is filled with violence and brutality, both being ruthless and relentless. Halloween is packed with carnage galore. There are times we see the acts, but other times the sound effects prove imagination is just as powerful. Not knowing is terrifying.
However, the film was rather lengthy, coming in at about two hours long. The film is intended for mature audiences due to the graphic scenes and the language used throughout as it is rated-R. Try not to bring young children along.
This is the sequel we needed and deserved. It gives us a nostalgic sense and other horror sequels should follow suit by not leaning on what made the character popular and not explaining the character away with a backstory that kills the scare factor.
Overall, I would give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars due to the fact it had fantastic actors/actresses, and intense graphics. Halloween (2018) is definitely a good, frightful choice for your Halloween movie desire.
In conclusion, I’d recommend you definitely have this movie on your watchlist. It moves the franchise forward and respects the legacy of the original.
