Evil is on the run again!

Halloween is around the corner, and in recent years, it was the period during which the inhabitants of Haddonfield took precautions to stay out of the hands of Michael Myers. However, not this time. No one has seen the killer in many years and even Laurie and her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) seem to have turned a leaf on the dark past. Laurie writes her autobiography while Allyson is a nurse at the local hospital. Allyson’s life is about to become much brighter when Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), who injured himself after a brawl, enters the hospital.

Both take an immediate interest in each other, and soon they go on a first date. They realize that they have a lot in common, including what seems to be a dark past. When Laurie meets Corey, the anger, darkness, and emptiness in his eyes reveal more about him than she wants. While she wants to warn Allyson about it, the latter seems to have entirely fallen into Corey’s hands. Will Halloween once again be a dark day for Laurie, Allyson, and Haddonfield, or will they have a peaceful Halloween?

“When is someone going to get murdered?”

When reading the synopsis, you would think that Halloween Ends is one of those movies in which blood and murder fill the screen every minute. Even more so when you know that we didn’t describe the vicious murders that get this film going. However, apart from that murder, you have to wait for ages before another body turns up. When we watched the movie, an audience member shouted, “When is someone going to get murdered?” We fully agreed with his question. Most of the film is about Laurie writing her biography and Allyson finding the happiness she deserves. There are sinister figures, extremely recognizable masks and gruesome bodies, but those are rarities, especially during the film’s first part.

If you’re wondering when Myers appears for the first time (apart from during the flashback to the 2018 movie), be prepared, it takes a while before he makes his entrance. He’s not as present as he should have been, but when Myers appears, he’s as compelling and horrifying as always. It’s clear that director David Gordon Green (Halloween Kills, Stronger) and his writing team want to take the Halloween franchise in another direction for the last film, but was that a good idea?

Curtis is still the Scream Queen

While there’s a lack of Myers, blood and murder, there’s the usual amount of great acting performances. Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Knives Out) is still the Scream Queen, as her performance is spot on. As Laurie, she captures the perfect balance between being relatively at peace with life and being badass and determined to get rid of all the evil in the world. Matichak (Foxhole, Son) gives a captivating performance as the broken but still headstrong and hopeful Allyson. Campbell (Operation Christmas Drop, Diablo) makes an impressive impact as the innocent looking but with darkness-filled young man.

A bold decision that paid off or the wrong way to end a 40-year-old franchise?

Taking the Halloween franchise in a different direction is something to applaud, but it might have been better if Green and his team didn’t wait until the last film. While the movie introduces a fresh plot and brand-new characters, maybe people just wanted a two-hour slasher movie like the previous ones. Depending on what one you want, you will either love or hate Halloween Ends. But, no matter what you want, you still get a grand finale and stunning acting performances.

Rating: (3 / 5)

Halloween Ends is out now in U.K. cinemas

Also Read: Review: Halloween Kills

Also Read: Women In Horror: An Ode to Laurie Strode

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Michael Myers is back and in more than one way

For many of us, Halloween is the day we dress up, go trick-and-treating and indulge ourselves in special Halloween drinks. However, for the people of Haddonfield, the festive day will always be even darker. It’s the day that reminds everyone of Michael Myers, the murderer who went on a killing spree in 1978 and who’s been killing ever since. His murderous time almost ended when one of his surviving victims Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), caught him in a burning trap. However, he managed to escape. When trying to kill Myers once and for all, Strode, her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) were severely wounded themselves.

While the three of them are rushing to the hospital, Myers keeps doing what he’s good at: Killing every innocent person who crosses his path. After learning that her trap was unsuccessful, Laurie is determined to kill her lifelong tormentor finally. So are the other villagers of Haddonfield. Amongst them are the parents of the victims and even survivors. They’re road to take the matter into their own hands. Will they finally be able to bring this monstrous murderer down for good, or will Myers keep causing destruction, death and a massive bloodbath every Halloween to come?

Is the success formula still a hit?

As mentioned before, Green is using the success formula of the previous films. Again, there’s the dark and sinister cinematography (this time provided by Michael Simmonds), many returning A-list stars and the eery extremely recognizable soundtrack from John Carpenter. However, does this successful combination still work after all these years? We’re not 100% sure anymore.

The biggest problem we have with this movie is the storyline. Yes, we understand that a slasher movie is about a killer that goes on a rampage, but if that’s the case, at least you have to make sure that the story during the non-killing moments can still captivate you. There should be a proper balance between the killings and the rest of the storyline. Sadly, that’s not the case in this movie. We get the feeling that this movie goes from one Myers murder straight to another. As a result, you don’t get the chance to process what just happened and to connect with the people. That latter is undoubtedly a shame because you could get such a deeper insight into the feelings of the Strode family and what the survivors go through. The writing team was clearly already thinking of the 2022 sequel while writing this film.

During Halloween Kills, it becomes clear that Curtis (Halloween, Knives Out) is still the queen of the horror movies. While we don’t see much of the Scream Queen in this movie, she again puts on a powerful, bad-ass and captivating performance. Her leading role is being taken over by Judy Greer (Halloween, Ant-Man and the Wasp), who shines extremely bright in this movie as Karen Nelson. It’s harder to connect with Allyson Nelson, daughter of Karen and granddaughter of Laurie. Still unsure whether it’s because of Andi Matichak (Son, Halloween) her performance, her lack of screentime or the wobbly script.

We’re also introduced to adult Tommy Doyle, and he comes in the form of Anthony Michael Hall (Foxcatcher, The Dark Knight). Hall gives an extremely enjoyable, strong and sometimes little exaggerated performance. Even some of the minor characters are well thought of and in particular Big John and Little John. This couple is portrayed beautifully by Scott MacArthur (The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Coldwater) and Michael McDonald (The Happytime Murders, The Heat), who bring laughter, fun and light to this movie.

We certainly also don’t have any complaints about the cinematography by Michael Simmonds (Halloween, Nerve). Halloween Kills is an extremely horror treat (or should it be a threat). As an audience, you will certainly feel the fear, the destruction and the darkness of Haddonfield, thanks to the dark, sinister and compelling cinematography. To counterbalance the pitch-black colours, there’s always a light source present. Whether it’s the torches, the police flashlights or the headlights of a car, this dark-light combination is exceptionally well.

While there might be a slight overuse of the mirrors and the ‘knocking on doors’ element, the creative team still succeeds in bringing unique twists to the scenes. If you combine this dark and cleverly done cinematography with a very effective and fear-provoking and an incredible score by Carpenter (all Halloween movies, Ghosts of Mars), you know the film might be worth the watch after all. There’s even a new rendition of the classic Halloween theme song, which will give you chills!

Ready for the next Michael Myers chapter?

Die-hard fans of Halloween and Michael Myers will love Halloween Kills. The movie is certainly a high-quality slasher film because it’s incredibly violent, explicit, and brutal. The dark and sinister cinematography heightens the evil of Michael Myers, the performances are still top-notch, and the music score from Carpenter certainly brings the nostalgic and diabolic vibe to the movie. The question remains whether you’re willing to accept the weak storyline or not?

Halloween Kills is out now in U.K. cinemas.

Rating: (3 / 5)

Also Read: Women In Horror: An Ode to Laurie Strode

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That game is afoot

That death can take over life in a heartbeat is being cruelly proven to the Thrombey family. The day after celebrating the 85th birthday of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), he’s found dead. As a father and grandfather, he will be missed by everyone of his family. Although, not by everyone it seems, as his death might not be suicide as initially thought. It could be a grim murder instead and because of that, detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) starts to look into this case. He’s not only investigating that tragic night but also the entire family. What a family it is!

It doesn’t take long before we find out that every family member has some dark secrets behind the innocent and grieving façade. The main suspect is Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), the help who was the last person who saw Harlan alive. Was it maybe one of the family members such as his daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), his son Walt (Michael Shannon) or one of the inlaws such as Harlan’s third child’s widow Joni (Toni Collette) or son-in-law Richard (Don Johnson)? Probably not because the dogs barked and so it certainly must be a stranger? Maybe it’s the long lost Ransom (Chris Evans), who has a nasty relationship with the rest of his family? The further his investigation takes him, the bigger the mystery becomes. Who will be the evilest family member and will be able to solve the murder?

A brilliant A-list cast and impressive upcoming talent

So many questions and so little answers. Throughout the film, more clues about the dead come to the surface. By the end of Knives Out, you will not only have become the next Sherlock Holmes but you’ve also seen a thrilling, electrifying, humourist and stunningly performed film.

There’s absolutely no shortage of incredible talent in Knives Out. He already did spy work in multiple James Bond films and solving mysterious is what Graig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Spectre) is superior in. In Knives Out, he steps up his game even more as the clever, witty and humouristic private detective. Even his Southern accent is spot-on. The “I’m talking to myself” scenes are such a joy to watch and the big revelation scene is certainly the highlight of this movie. As the grieving daughter, Curtis (Halloween, An Acceptable Loss) never overplays or underplays the emotions and gives her character a lot of flair and confidence. She brings a lot of humour and memorable moments to Knives Out.

It was halfway through the movie that we got a glimpse of Evans (Avengers: Endgame, Gifted) for the first time but the wait was worth it. With his contagious laughter and fabulous performance, he brings out the arrogant, underhanded and secretive characteristics of Ransom. It’s not only the established actors giving it their best shot but also upcoming talent such as de Armas (Blade Runner 2049, War Dogs). She puts on a thrilling, emotional, funny and joyful performance which is both dark and lively at the same time.

Spectacular setting and bombastic score

Another element of why this movie feels like a big game of Cluedo is the colossal mansion with many different and spacious rooms. All the rooms are filled with possible murder/suicide weapons such as the many antiques, paintings or even that magnificent masterpiece full of knives. Is there one knife missing by any chance? Congratulations are definitely in order for the location management department and the set decorator.

A film like this, that’s full of suspense, betrayal and mystery elements, needs to have an on-point score and that’s exactly what Knives Out has. It doesn’t take long before the sharp violins, heavily beating drums and bombastic music take over this film. The score gives this movie such a powerful effect.

A devious whodunnit with a superb cast

After being screened at the BFI London Film Festival, Knives Out is now now coming back to UK cinemas. If you want to see a gorgeous, enigmatic, compelling and entertaining whodunnit that’s brought to life by stunning performances, grandiose score and bags of humour then Knives Out is the perfect film.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: The Irishman (Review)

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The story

On Halloween night, 1963, in the small town of Haddonfield, a young boy named Michael Myers murders his sister, Judith Myers for seemingly no reason. Michael then spends the next fifteen years locked up in Smiths Grove Sanatorium under the eye of doctor Samuel Loomis (Donald Pleasence). But on one fateful night, Michael escapes and returns to his hometown. He then begins stalking teenage babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her friends. With Dr. Loomis hot on his trail, will the girls be able to survive Michael’s onslaught? And more frighteningly, can Michael actually be stopped?

What did I like?

I have an odd history with the original Halloween. When I first saw it, I dismissed it because it seemed like every other slasher movie. Over the years, however, I now appreciate what the original Halloween is. A stripped down, supremely suspenseful horror classic.

Halloween does not need gory kills to set its audience on edge. Because Halloween effectively generates a thick atmosphere of creeping, unknown dread. There are several factors for why it is able to build this so successfully. Chief amongst them being the films iconic killer.

Michael Myers is terrifying in Halloween because there is no rhyme or reason to his actions. The opening revelation that he was only a child when killed his older sister, is truly haunting. Especially since he shows no remorse or comprehension of what he did. He then stalks and murders the high school friends simply because he can. Tapping into our fear of the unknown. This is helped by other various touches. For example, Michael’s mask is a blank, expressionless parody of a human face (a white painted William Shatner mask) that is troubling because of its indifference to the slaughter Michael commits. And there are things about him that never sync with reality. His average build and almost superhuman strength, as well as his undying nature and his ability to disappear at will, transforms Michael into a nightmarishly surreal figure. And he has terrified generations of moviegoers ever since.

The performances are another way the movie evokes a feeling of dread. Donald Pleasence’s Doctor Loomis is one of cinemas greatest harbingers of doom. Despite hardly interacting with Myers during the movie, he instils a sense of fear in the audience for how calmly assured he is of Michaels evil nature. He knows what Michael is capable of and that he is the only one who can stop him. Jamie Lee Curtis also makes her film debut as one of the horror genres most fondly remembered final girls. Curtis plays Laurie with humility and innocence that makes her easy to root for. And all the other performers, despite some occasional cheesiness, come across as likeable, everyday people. Making it all the more tragic when the bogeyman rips through their lives.

Lastly, the films production elements help to elevate the unease. The film had a shoestring budget and could not afford lavish location work and set design. So, the film was forced to economize. Thus, the set design is minimal and the action confined to a handful of locations. Making the audience feel a sense of claustrophobia and helping the setting feel more intimate than the overblown nature of many of its higher budgeted counterparts. John Carpenters score and directing are also excellent at building tension. The simple but effective score gives Michael a great sense of presence and constantly sets the audience on edge. And the way Carpenter builds suspense through having Michael in the background of shots without lingering on him is masterful. It puts the audience one step ahead of the characters and makes the scenes where the shape slowly creeps towards his prey nail-bitingly taut.

What I do not like?

While Halloween is a classic, there are aspects that will not satisfy everyone. The films loose connection with reality regarding Michael works. It makes him more unpredictable and the characters feel more vulnerable. But some of the characters actions also have a loose connection with reality and can remove the audience, momentarily from the experience. For example, during the finale when Laurie drops Michaels knife right next to him, it seems like a leap of logic. Especially, as she is still not sure if Michael is actually dead.

The plot can also feel a bit meandering at times. The teen’s story is necessary thematically and Loomis’ scenes are always effective. But at times the plot leans too hard on the teenager’s story to engage the audience. Which can be a problem if you don’t find the teenagers and their dated slang interesting. And as a result, Loomis does not directly affect the plot aside from at the beginning and end of the film. Making Loomis seem like an afterthought.

Finally, while the score is iconic, it does become a crutch after a while. Often during the films second act, the score will dramatically increase to ensure that the audience knows that Michael is still around. And to make sure they have not lost interest. Which feels very cheap. A little goes a long way after all.

Bottom Line

Despite my minor misgivings, the original Halloween is nothing short of a classic and a testament to what can be done on a low budget. The combination of a great production crew, fantastic performances, and a scary villain helped Halloween become one of the most profitable horror films ever made. And while the sequels, remakes and slasher derivatives may have weakened it in the eyes of general viewers over the years, Halloween is essential viewing. Especially around this time of year. Because on Halloween, everyone is entitled to one good scare.

Verdict: (4.5 / 5)

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