Rating: * * * out of * * * *
Rated R: horror violence, gore, language.
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Michelle Williams, Jodie Lynn O'Keefe, LL Cool J, Josh Hartnet, Adam Arkin, Janet Leigh.
Running Time: 85 minutes
Directed by: Steven Miner
In 1978 John Carpenter created the most terrifying film ever put on a piece of film. It shocked audiences in movie theatres, and was named the next 'Psycho' by many critics. It became one of the biggest cult films of all time and remains my favorite horror film of all time. I am a huge fan of Halloween and I try to collect everything I can on it. A sequel followed in 1981 and was a great film, as well as a big box office success. A third, fourth, fifth, sixth and now seventh film followed, with only two, four and seven being truly good. When I heard they were going to make another Halloween film with Jamie Lee Curtis I almost peeed in my pants because I was so happy, and I must say I was quite impressed on how good this film was being the seventh movie in a long running series.
Keri Tate (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a young woman tormented by memories of her past, because her name used to be Laurie Strode, who was the sister of Michael Myers to whom he came after her 20 years ago. Keri is now living in California with her son as the head of a school. She lives with her 17 year old son (Josh Hartnett) who is a bit rebelious along with his girlfriend (Michelle Williams). Keri or Laurie as I should say has told no one about her past and how her brother tried to kill her, and how she faked her death. But on one unfaithful night, Halloween 20 Years Later terror never dies because Michael Myers has come back once again to stalk Laurie and her son, but this time its a fight to the finish, and this time its final.
The movie is well directed by Steve Miner who does a great job with some of his death scenes while putting plenty of suspense in them as well. His camera shots are chilling, and he puts John Carpenter's classic score in the movie very well, and once scene at the end put chills down my back, I realized this time Laurie is hunting down Michael, instead of vice versa. Kevin Williamson who is known for his "Scream" and "Dawson's Creek" fame writes the screenplay surprisingly well, but makes it way too screamish at times, but never out of sync with the Halloween atmosphere.
Jamie Lee Curtis makes a sensational return to the horror genre, and brings her character Laurie Strode back to life. After being tortured for years, you can still tell Laurie is scarred by what happened those 20 years ago. She brings Laurie out to her fullest and constantly I thought of scenes from the first movie. She is without a doubt the best thing in the movie. Josh Hartnett plays her son and although he is good in the part, you can really tell he is acting. He doesn't seem to want to be there at times, which is the opposite with his girlfriend played fantastically by Michelle Williams. To round out the cast there is more good performances from Jodi Lynn O'Keefe and Adam Arkin of the Chicago Hope fame.
The movie has its goods as described above and has many chills and scares in it, but its major flaw comes from the fact that it seems too teenish and screamish at times, if only John Carpenter and Debra Hill got back together and made this film. It's also way too short, and there is too many jump scenes. But even with these flaws "Halloween: H20" is a fantastic sequel to my favorite horror film.
Reviewed by Brandon Herring 8-17-98
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