What would October be if Michael Myers didn’t make yet another return to the big screen? Since the original release of the original “Halloween” in 1978, the franchise has released several retconned films. The newest film in the franchise, “Halloween Kills,” directed by David Gordon Green, continues the battle between Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney and Nick Castle).
“Halloween Kills” follows the 2018 “Halloween,” which was a direct sequel to the original. Audiences see the over 40-year-old struggle between Laurie and Michael Myers come to a head as the residents of Haddonfield are determined to put a stop to Myers once and for all after he attacked Laurie, her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak). Not to mention, he also slaughters multiple townspeople, too.
Some may say that the franchise is tired, overdone and that there is virtually nothing left to do with the story. Directors and writers continue to prove critics wrong as the films maintain success and keep a grip on horror lovers everywhere. Michael Myers has become a Halloween staple and judging by his seemingly never-ending lifespan, he will continue to terrify audiences until the end.
While watching the film, viewers hear the classic “Halloween” theme that has become an iconic indication of Myers’ presence. This classic tune is a nostalgic touch that brings audiences back to the original 1978 film. Except, with “Halloween Kills,” the violence is taken to a new level.
The gore aspect is not quite what horror fans may be looking for when watching the original “Halloween” in 2021. Based on how far film has developed since 1978, “Halloween” has become a film to watch for the sake of appreciating the classics and not for a serious scare.
Green keeps the franchise feeling modern and up to current horror standards by including over-the-top gore that will have viewers grimacing and covering their eyes. It’s difficult to not feel a newly instilled fear of Myers while watching him gauge out the eyeballs of his latest victim.
Some viewers of the film have criticized the dramatic gore included, stating that it took away from the authenticity of the franchise. But, isn’t that why audiences keep coming back — to see what extreme Myers will go to while terrorizing Haddonfield?
“Halloween Kills” continues to shock the audience and keep the widely loved franchise alive. It combines elements from the original film and today’s horror standards to make for the perfect new Halloween movie.
Green pays homage to the original “Halloween” by bringing back some of the 1978 Haddonfield survivors. Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall), Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards) and Marion Chambers (Nancy Stephens) join the hunt for Myers as the chant “evil dies tonight” spreads across the town.
By bringing back original characters as well as introducing new ones, Green doesn’t let the essence of the original film escape long-time fans or casual viewers. He keeps the initial terror alive while also giving current horror fans all the gore and blood spatter they desire.
Of course, the franchise would be nothing without the ultimate final girl, Laurie Strode. The famous scream queen refuses to back down, even after suffering from a stab wound from the 2018 “Halloween.” Her endurance and determination to take down Myers with no mercy solidify her final girl status that has afforded the character fame spanning four decades.
Despite the continuation of the franchise and the horrific deaths in “Halloween Kills” having some viewers rolling their eyes, it provides classic horror fans their Michael Myers fix for the season.
Don’t say goodbye too soon, though. Green has announced the next installment of the franchise, “Halloween Ends,” which will be released in 2022. It seems that Myers will live on a little while longer to satiate slasher fans everywhere.
“Halloween Kills” is currently playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.