Halloween (Remake) - Review

(No Spoilers Contained)

Being a true fan of the Halloween series, the moment I heard that Rob Zombie was going to take the helm of writing & directing a remake, I felt shivers down my spine. In my heart of hearts, I wanted him to have nothing to do with this film. All I could imagine was Rob going out of his way to spread as much blood and gore as he possibly could with this film.

As the release date drew closer and I did my homework on the film, I learned that Rob really put himself into this film and took the time to mold it as carefully as he could. So I decided to give him a fair chance and went to see it on opening weekend with an open mind. As the lights in the theater dimmed and the opening scenes started to come into their own, I actually found myself anxiously awaiting for the plot to get rolling.

What I found was that I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I think what Rob did for Michael’s origins was masterful. We finally get the chance to understand just what it is that drives Michael over the edge. If there was one thing I really liked about the Halloween series above all the other horror films that followed was, Michael was complex, as opposed to Jason and Freddy who are strictly one dimensional. I always found myself wanting to know more about Michael, almost as if he is a dark puzzle waiting to be pieced together.

Rob went above and beyond my expectations as for Michael’s background and even gives us some real insight into the origin and loyalty to Michael’s trademark William Shatner mask. The first 40 minutes alone were quite intense and of all things; educational.

However, this is a horror movie so it did have it’s share of violence, but it was well placed, well planned and well done. I found myself willing to believe that what was on the screen was actually happening. Which, as a movie goer, it’s all one can ask & hope for.

My only real criticism is, about three quarters of the way through, the movie seems to get lost in itself. After doing such an amazing job building it up for us, I guess I just expected more from the climax. By no means does the climax fall flat, but after I left the theater, I was far more impressed & taken back by the story telling given during the first half of the film.

Final word; as a fan of this genre and the original, I highly suggest this film. Enjoy!

JT-