In 2018, Michael Myers and the ‘Halloween’ series came back with the first of three entries of a new trilogy. Even though fans and critics generally enjoyed the 2018 ‘Halloween,’ the next two entries (Halloween Kills; Halloween Ends) earned a mixed reception.
With the spooky season coming to an end, and having just re-watched the 1978 classic (a Halloween tradition of mine), I wanted to give the recent ‘Halloween’ trilogy a quick re-visit!
In 2018s ‘Halloween,’ it’s been four decades since Laurie Strode survived a vicious attack from crazed killer Michael Myers. After a bus transfer goes horribly wrong, Myers escapes and Laurie faces a terrifying showdown when the masked madman returns to Haddonfield.
The series has been very hit and miss and the 2018 entry is definitely a hit. Now, it’s not nearly as great as the 1978 original and, honestly, the 1978 film will probably always be the best. But, the 2018 movie really delivers on a good amount of scares and very effective moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
‘Halloween 2018’ also does a great job building the tension and suspense, especially when we see Michael’s return to Haddonfield. The music (once again by John Carpenter, along with his sons) is haunting and is just as eerie as the original theme. Also, the anticipated showdown between Michael and Laurie is still great.
In 2021’s ‘Halloween Kills,’ the nightmare isn’t over yet as Michael escapes Laurie’s trap (slight spoiler) to continue his rampage. As Laurie continues to fight through the pain, Halloween 1978 survivor Tommy Doyle leads an angry mob of vigilantes to bring Michael down.
This sequel takes place the same night and immediately after the 2018 movie. Now, even though I did enjoy this entry, it does have its ups and downs. I really enjoyed the opening sequence, which is an extended flashback set in 1978. It’s really well done and very creative. And, with how they filmed it, it almost felt like the same atmosphere of the original film.
This sequel does up the ante for the gore and scares/intensity for sure. Just like most ‘Halloween’ movies, ‘Halloween Kills’ does have some flaws. But, mainly the flaws for this one is pretty much a horror movie cliche - seeing characters making not so smart decisions.
Out of the entire ‘Halloween’ trilogy, the 2022 sequel, ‘Halloween Ends,’ is probably the one entry that really divided ‘Halloween’ fans. And this quick take does briefly contain spoilers.
Four years after her last encounter with Michael Myers, Laurie Strode is living with her granddaughter and trying to finish her memoir. Myers hasn’t been seen since, and Laurie finally decides to liberate herself from rage and fear and embrace life.
However, when a young man stands accused of killing a boy that he was babysitting, it ignites a cascade of violence and terror that forces Laurie to confront the evil she can’t control.
‘Halloween Ends’ is definitely different from the other movies in the trilogy, and the entire series as a whole. The filmmakers who brought ‘Halloween’ fans this trilogy made some bold decisions that explored the aftermath of Michael Myers as it affected a whole community. And, also told a story about how pervasive evil can be and how it could corrupt and destroy someone.
Adding a new character (Corey Cunningham) into the mix and having him corrupted by the evil of Michael is another bold decision that does work to an extent. The plot can be rather intriguing in a way, seeing the evil of Michael Myers be passed to another character and we see what happens.
This sequel’s plot, which also sidelines Michael Myers to a more supporting role, did make some die hard fans of the series upset, which I can see why. ‘Halloween Ends’ isn’t your typical ‘Halloween’ movie in a way and the final confrontation between Michael Myers and Laurie can appease some fans, but it does end rather quickly.
I hope you enjoyed my little Halloween review series I have been working on for the spooky season! And can’t wait to work on another review series for the spooky season next year! For the month of November, I will be working on a little series of reviews of family throwbacks that the entire family can really enjoy! Make sure to keep on checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook to see what my throwback reviews will be of, along with the other new releases that I will be checking out as well!
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