Halloween (2018) Review

Halloween (2018) is a return to a simpler time for this franchise and is overall a lot of fun. This movie is about Laurie Strode confronting Michael Myers, a masked killer, who has haunted her thoughts since she narrowly escaped him 40 years ago. Jamie Lee Curtis gives a fantastic performance. She is by far the best part of this movie and brings a heavy sense of vulnerability and strength to the role. James Jude Courtney and Nick Castle do a great job bringing Michael Myers to life. Judy Greer gives a good performance though some of the writing with her character is a bit baffling. Haluk Bilginer gives an okay performance but his character is pointless. Andi Matichak gives a really good performance, but her subplot is one of the film’s worst aspects. Jefferson Hall and Virginia Gardner both give great performances in smaller roles. David Gordon Green did an excellent job directing bringing a heavy dose of atmosphere and tension. The script is pretty good, but definitely has some weaker aspects. Every attempt at humor is forced and falls flat. Also, the subplot with the granddaughter and her boyfriend is pointless and did not belong in this movie. The cinematography is great and builds a sense of paranoia. The music is fantastic. The classic theme returns and I loved hearing it on the big screen. At 106 minutes the pacing is fast only really slowing down in the second act. The highlight of this movie is the fantastic tense and thrilling third act. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The kills are brutal but never gross. Overall Halloween (2018), while not perfect, was extremely fun and a fantastic return to form for the series.

8/10