“You’ve got to believe me, Officer, he is coming to Haddonfield… Because I know him! I’m his doctor! You must be ready for him… If you don’t, it’s your funeral.”
– Dr Sam Loomis
SYNOPSIS: On Halloween night of 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers stabbed his sister to death. After sitting in a mental hospital for 15 years, Myers escapes and returns to Haddonfield to kill. – via IMDB
I have been itching for the longest time to rewatch these movies, it has been a good long while since I have! Finally, I decided screw it, it’s time. Watching Halloween made me super nostalgic for old school horror… this is just how horror is supposed to be. Halloween is a prime example of a fantastic horror, and features the introduction of so many things we take for granted in horror movies nowadays (the final girl, sex = death, etc). I absolutely love the iconic intro tune and score for this movie – people just know what this is, and that’s fantastic! Let’s not forget the simple plot that was given to us to introduce Michael Myers, and his subsequent murder binge. It didn’t want bells and whistles, it was all about the horror, and it shows. The movie is shot well and is very atmospheric, which drives in the creep factor. The movie is also quite a slow burn, which is actually a really good thing (though it makes the movie feel a little longer than it is) – it takes time getting into the meat of the movie, and that is okay. It takes time to unnerve the audience, and then Halloween gets right down to the slash and kill factor. The progression is good, never loses the viewer, and it isn’t over the top, and is accompanied by solid performances and an exceptionally memorable score. This movie is a prime example of how less is most certainly more, more often than not. A million people have sung the praises of this film before me, and probably better than I can. Just know that it is a brilliant old school horror that is well worth the watch!
Yep yep yeppers, it doesn’t really get much better than this! Gah, it’s been SO long since I have watched it. This month is a perfect time for a rewatch methinks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoop! You should do it, this month really is the ideal time 😉
LikeLike
Woohoo! Glad you had such an awesome time bestie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heck yeah I did!
LikeLike
Great review, this one knows how to be spine chilling without being gratuitious.
LikeLike
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😛 Knew you would enjoy this, PSC!
LikeLike
This movie is so terrifyingly realistic, and I think that’s why it still holds up as one of the greats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are absolutely right there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to rewatch this now and it’s not on Netflix. Buu. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Netflix! How could they let you down like this?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! It used to be there but now when Halloween is actually happening, it’s not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really do need to see this, I’ve always been a fan of Carpenter’s work – love The Thing, Escape from New York, Assault on Precinct 13 and Starman but can’t believe I’ve still not seen this! Great review, Zoe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Chris! Wow, that’s crazy! You should totally check it out then. If you are a fan, I am sure you are going to enjoy this then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep I’m pretty sure I will based on my enjoyment of other John Carpenter films 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Zoe! I’ve only seen bits and pieces of this. Michael Myers is certainly an iconic character, it’s amazing how this movie has remained popular year after year, esp. in October.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ruth! You aren’t really a horror fan though, if I recall? This movie is definitely a goodie, and a lot of fun to watch. Absolutely an October staple xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, I’m not a horror fan, that’s why my site will remain mostly horror-free this month 🙂 I do have a penchant for unusual vampire flicks, so long as they’re not overly gory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is my favourite horror movie and I keep returning to it again and again with more discoveries. It has such an efficiency of method and such a command of tone that it sticks with you for days, even if you’ve seen it before. Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jordan, and I agree! Masterfully crafted and lingers long after its conclusion.
LikeLike
An awesome movie that still holds up! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely in agreement on both fronts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a piece of cinematic history. It’s amazing how much of not just the horror genre but just filmmaking in general – synth scores, Steadicam work – Carpenter laid the ground work for. I didn’t think it held up as well as you did, but it’s something anyone interested in movies needs to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to see you enjoyed, too! Definitely quite the contribution, and this is still a fun movie overall.
LikeLike