Michael Myers returned to theaters this past Halloween and audiences responded in kind—making the film a number one flick. That alone would be stunning, but there was another layer to its success that helps restore faith in humanity. Halloween was the first movie that starred a woman over 55 (Jamie Lee Curtis, returning to the role of Laurie Strode) to score a box office win. And what a win it was, banking $77.5 in its first weekend!
For fans of Halloween, first things first, the David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) directed flick is a true sequel to the 1978 masterpiece from John Carpenter (who is still onboard as one of this film’s producer). The story exists in a universe that supposes that not even one of the Halloween films that came after Carpenter’s seminal scream-fest exist. As such, it is brilliant—on so many levels.
First of all, Curtis is explosive in the role that made her famous all those decades ago. Strode is a woman who has existed in a permanently PTSD’d mode since Myers did his best to remove her from the living in the 70s. This time, she’s prepared. Her house is like an armory, equipped with cameras all over the compound (let’s be real, that’s what it is) that await one thing… the return of Myers. One of our favorite moments in the Halloween trailer is when Strode tells police officer Hawkins (played by Will Patton) that she has prayed for Myers to break out of prison. He replies, “why on earth would you do that?” To which she matter-of-factly responds, “So I can kill him.”
Myers does do just that—escape—when a transfer to another prison goes horrifically awry and once again the town, he preyed on years prior is in for another bout with the man who lives to kill.
This is a duo that is on a fateful collision course and lucky us… that is exactly what Green delivers, thanks to the love letter of a script penned by Danny McBride (yes, the comic actor!), Green and Jeff Fradley. One can tell with every moment of dialogue, every heart-pumping and jaw-dropping scene that each soul that is a part of this flick has nothing but utter love and adoration for all-things Halloween. For a fan base that is as rabid as they come, that is the ultimate gift.
Joining Curtis in the cast is Judy Greer, as Laurie’s daughter Karen. Let’s just say it is not easy to be Strode’s daughter and to spend your childhood and formative years hearing about Myers and the horrors he embodies. By adding a daughter to the storyline mix, screenwriters have a perfect soul to represent someone who believes that her mother has at the most lost her mind and at the least was more concerned with the horrors that could be than the raising of her child free of the stressors that can produce some seriously maladjusted kids. Lucky for Karen, she is wired with a strength that allowed her to move on and out of her mother’s world and carve out a happy life for herself with her husband and children. When Myers escapes from the prison that held him for the last 40 years, mom doesn’t seem so insane after all, does she now?!
For more on the film itself, check out our glowing theatrical Halloween review. It is absolutely one that is a must-buy for anyone who appreciates a well-made, expertly packaged thrill ride that has enough sense to salute the past while forging a whole new path towards a future (and one that will likely include an all-new Halloween 2 that ignores that Halloween 2 that came years prior).
Jason Blum of Blumhouse is one of the producers and if it seems like practically everything he touches turns to gold, you are not far off. One of the films that spurred his passion for the horror/thriller genre is Halloween. The fact that Blum is behind this—as is fellow producer Ryan Turek, another passionate soul who adores all-things Halloween—should be like a neon sign to all fans that your adoration for Myers and his violent rampage will be met with equal, if not greater, cinematic care.
The Original Scream Queen is our first must-watch bonus featurette on the Halloween Blu-Ray. It’s a fascinating and enlightening look at a character in two parts. One, Strode circa 1978 and the second, Strode circa 2018. It is a brilliant bonus feature that truly sets the bar quite high for featurettes on Halloween. The cast and crew extol the virtues of the legendary actress and there is only one complaint I have with this featurette—it’s two-and-a-half-minutes is too short. There can never be too much JLC!
Another aspect of the Halloween world that is one to treasure is the first film’s director (Carpenter) and his passion for music. His score for that 1978 classic is considered the gold standard for horror movie musical mastery. The Sound of Fear illustrates how the filmmaker’s original score served as a blueprint for crafting new music for the 2018 edition of a Hollywood horror masterpiece. Never seen Carpenter lead an orchestra in concert performing his music from across his decorated career? Oh, you are missing out!
It’s hardly a surprise given Blumhouse’s incredible knack for producing haunting masks (Happy Death Day’s baby mask terror, anyone?!), a joyous featurette arrives in the form of Journey of the Mask. Of course, Blum and his team had nothing to do with the creation of the Myers mesmerizing mask, but they have an appreciation for that vibrant visual tool that is unmatched in Hollywood. Journey of the Mask looks at the iconic facial cover that Myers adorns for his killing spree and delivers a riveting look at its origins and the emotive power it elicits from audiences.
Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween is not simply a behind-the-scenes look at how Green and his team brought Halloween back for a myriad of generations born after the first film arrived. It encompasses a stellar amount of informative entertainment in just over six minutes that includes how the 2018 flick forges its own identity while remaining true to the 1978 original. It also delves deep into character details, those death scenes and how they were conceived, and the film’s director shares his passion for the original and how helming Halloween 2018 was a dream come true.
There are several deleted and extended scenes included, about 12-and-a-half minutes total) that more than anything else, take us inside the filmmaking process mind of Green—but for longtime fans of the film, it also is a treat to get footage not seen in theaters simply for the sake of kicks and giggles (and gasps!).
For a quick look at why this film series has had such staying power from an audience that are notoriously fickle, The Legacy of Halloween brilliantly puts things in perspective as Curtis, Carpenter, Green and Blum sit down collectively for a discussion about their current film, the classic film and by the close of this featurette, don’t be surprised if you are ready to hit play again on Halloween 2018 and also revisit the original.
Film Grade: B+
Bonus Features: B+