Halloween II
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Movie Reviews of Halloween II
Movie Review: The Conclusion To Halloween I
Summary: 5 Stars
Universals HALLOWEEN II was like the conclusion to the original Halloween movie directed by John Carpenter in 1978 along with the fact that Halloween 2 was quite a phenomenal sequel and was just as shocking and heart-pumping as the original, except in this horror flick you wouldn't see the relentless Michael Myers someplace one second and not there the next like you did in Halloween I even though the ghoulish Michael Myers was still just as creepy and scary as he was in the original along with the fact that Halloween II was still a very successful shocker as well as a successful sequel and was probably the best sequel of all times, especially since they obviously don't make sequels as good as they used to anymore.
Additionally, Halloween II leaves off of from the cliff hangers end of Halloween 1 pointing out that the most brutal mass murderer in Haddonfield, Illinois history(Michael Myers) is still alive and still on the loose and is still stalking his kid sister Laurie Strode(Jamie-Lee Curtis) killing everyone else who gets in his way leaving a higher body death count than the original did making Halloween 2 a little more sophisticated and a tad more upgraded than the original Halloween was with even more blood and even more violence than Halloween I had, since the body count in Halloween II was higher than the body count in the original was.
In addition to that, Halloween 2 shows Dr. Sam Loomis(Donald Pleasance) still hot on the trail of Michael Myers and explains something else important in this sequel that they didn't explain in the original Halloween, like when Dr. Loomis found out in the middle of Halloween II from Marion(Nancy Stephens) that Laurie was Michael Myers younger sister, which nobody else knew in Halloween I, which explained Michael's desperate motive for wanting to kill Laurie in the first place, since Michael had killed his big sister(Judith Myers)at the beginning of Halloween I like they indicated at the beginning of Halloween 2 by showing us scenes from the shocking cliffhangers end of the original Halloween when Michael wanders off unexpectedly after being shot 6 times by Dr. Loomis and then starts off the continuation at the very beginning of Halloween 2 when Dr. Loomis finds blood on the Doyle's lawn and tells the Doyle's next-door neighbor to call the police to alert all local authorities that the grizzly Michael Myers is still on the loose, which simply indicated and proved to us that the nightmare and horrific ordeal of Halloween night in Haddonfield in 1978 simply and obviously wasn't over yet and that it was simply more of the night Michael Myers came home just like the motto or slogan for Halloween II was "More Of The Night He Came Home", just like the motto for the original Halloween was "The Night He Came Home".
I also liked the Halloween theme music and music score that they used in Halloween II also, which was mostly like Halloween I, except Halloween II used a more sophisticated variation of the kind of creepy music scoring that was used in the original Halloween along with the fact that both Halloween I and II scared the witts out of me when I saw both of them for the very first time, except I noticed that Halloween 2 didn't seem to have as much creepy music scoring as the original did although Halloween II seemed just as suspenseful as the first one even though I noticed that in this movie you wouldn't see Michael one second and not there the next like you did in the original, which was something else that made HALLOWEEN I such a successful shocker of a movie.
I also like the way they showed the movie trailer of the previews shown of Halloween II like they were shown before it's theatrical release back in 1981.
The truth is most sequels nowadays are cheesy, but you could say that Halloween 2 was one of the few sequels that was extraordinary, since you could say Halloween II was just as successful as John Carpenters original Halloween that was released back in the Fall of 1978, which was actually made 3 years before Halloween 2 was, even though Laurie, Dr. Loomis, and Michael Myers were so-called still dealing with the same gruesome ordeal on Halloween night of 1978 in Halloween 2, since Halloween II was simply just the conclusion to Halloween I.
Unfortunately, they don't make sequels like they used to and the last spectacular sequel to any movie that I can recall at the moment was "Psycho 2" back in 1983 along with the fact that "Friday The 13th: Part 2" made an excellent sequel as well back in 1981 during the same year "Halloween 2" was released along with the fact that Halloween II was probably one of the most phenomenal sequels of all times.
So director(Rick Rosenthal) certainly knew what he was doing when he made this sequel to John Carpenters original Halloween and I give Rick Rosenthal just as much credit for his film making of Halloween 2 as I do for John Carpenter's film making of Halloween I.
In addition to that made this Halloween II DVD so cool, I also liked the movie trailer the Halloween II DVD provided of it's previews that were shown before Halloween 2's theatrical release back in 1981 too, which was mighty cool, which takes me back to memory lane to when we had all those budgets cuts going on from the recession we had back in 1981-1982 when Ronald Reagan was president along with the fact that I was 9 years old in the 3rd grade and living in my hometown(El Centro,CA)at the time as well since I was an Imperial County resident for 21 years.
Even though Halloween 2 was an awesome sequel as well as a wonderful horror film, I have to admit that the original Halloween is still the best of them to this very day, especially since John Carpenter's 1978 film of Halloween is what started the Halloween phenomenon in the first place.
So if you loved John Carpenters original masterpiece "Halloween", you'll like Halloween 2.
Movie Review: Jamie Lee Curtis returns in this original Halloween 2.
Summary: 5 Stars
Jamie Lee Curtis returns for the second time as "Laurie Strode".
Also returning: Donald Pleasence, Charles Cyphers, Nancy Loomis (Kyes), Nancy Stephens.
As the movie begins where John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) ended, first you are treated to 2 minutes of the edited original ending, but wait...the body of Michael Myers has disappeared. As Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) runs to the door, the second movie in this film series begins.
As you see the slasher "Michael Myers" is very much alive (Dick Warlock) and is still lurking in the neighborhood. In an alley he is being voyeuristic looking through the neighbor's window. he eventually claims another young victim.
Meanwhile, Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) is in shock as they carry her on a stretcher into an ambulence. Dr. Loomis is on the trail for Michael.
Laurie is absolutly terrified at the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. They give her a shot to help her relax.
Now, here is a scary thought. Michael Myers is also in the hospital killing more victims.
Will he find Laurie?
Also in the cast: Lucille Benson, Anne Bruner, Ken Smolka, Roger Hampton, Dick Warlock, Lance Guest, Leo Rossi, Leigh French, Ty Mitchell, Tawny Moyer, Ana Alicia, Ford Rainey, Gloria Gifford, Cliff Emmich, Dana Carvey, Catherine Bergstrom, Lance Warlock, Pamela Susan Shoop, Anne Marie-Martin, Bill Warlock, Jonathan Prince, Pamela McMyler, Dennis Holahan, John Zenda, Nichole Drucker, Adam Gunn.
Running Time: 92 min.
How many times can you spot COKE/Coca-Cola in this film?
This DVD version does not have audio commentary. Bonus material includes: Theatrical Trailer, Production Notes, Cast & Filmmakers, DVD Newsletter address.
Optional Captions in English for the hearing-impaired.
Optional Subtitles in Spanish and French.
This DVD is a Universal Pictures release.
The next movie, Halloween III - Season Of The Witch only has "Michael Myers" in a cameo appearance. Actress Nancy Loomis (Kyes) and Dick Warlock returned as different charactes. Jamie Lee Curtis did a voice-over.
Donald Pleasence returned as "Dr. Loomis" in Halloween 4 - The Return of Michael Myers (Divimax Edition) (1988), Halloween 5 - The Revenge of Michael Myers (Divimax Edition) (1989), Halloween - The Curse of Michael Myers (1995).
Jamie Lee Curtis returned as "Laurie Strode" and Nancy Stephens returned as "Marion Chambers" in Halloween H20 - Twenty Years Later (Dimension Collector's Series) (1998).
Jamie Lee Curtis would end her role as "Laurie Strode" in Halloween - Resurrection (2002).
Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Nancy Loomis, Charles Cyphers and Ty Mitchell were also in the original, The Fog (Special Edition) (1980).
Sequels:
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Rob Zombie's Halloween (2007)
Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 (2009)
*** Update: Tom Atkins, who was in the original Halloween III wants to appear in the new Halloween 3 to be directed by Patrick Lussier. They hope to release it October 31, 2011.
In the meantime, watch the original Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween III - Season Of The Witch (1982).
Movie Review: The Most Respectable Sequel In The Franchise
Summary: 5 Stars
To be honest, there's no real way to top the first "Halloween". It was, and still is, a classic, and rightly referred to as the father of all slasher movies. The original created so many ideas (now standards in the slasher genre) that had never been done before and that was what made it so haunting and genuinely frightening. However along with the sequels came tired rehashes of old ideas, and pointless plot twists that inevitably lead the story down. Despite the downfalls that eventually plaugued the series, "Halloween II" is a great attempt to continue to the legacy that "Halloween" created. While it is not nearly as inventive or great as the original, its story, cast and ideas are far ahead of anything this series would do later on, which makes it a worthwhile viewing.
The major point that makes Halloween II worth watching, is that it picks up right where Halloween left off (There's even a small portion of the end of the last movie shown at the beginning of this one). The plot is probably the best part of the movie. Having the movie take place the same night as the first makes the two movies, fit together as one big story, which is something that few horror franchises (or movie franchises in general) have effectively done. Myers has been shot 6 times, and knocked out of the upstairs window of Laurie's house by Doctor Loomis (as seen in 'Halloween') and now Laurie has been taken to the local hospital to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first movie. It's in the hospital where much of the movie takes place. The hospital works just as well as a creepy setting, as the Strode house did in the original. You must suspend your disbelief a bit (the hospital is poorly lit, and there is only a handful of medical attendants on hand) to truly let the scenery take affect. The hospital creates some genuinely scary moments as there are many more places for Myers to lurk in the shadows before springing upon his unsuspecting victims. Some have criticized Jamie Lee Curtis' (who plays the heroine Laurie Strode once again) acting in this movie, citing that she has little or no emotion and seems to have not been interested in the movie itself. I however see it a bit differently. It would seem that after the traumatic events that Laurie has just lived through from the first movie, and that she has been given medication for her injuries should definitely play a role in the way her character is shown in this movie. I wouldn't expect her to just act as though nothing that happened in the first movie was a big deal. The effects definitely make Laurie out to be a much more estranged individual, which adds to the overall portrayal of Laurie Strode. The cast is also fairly decent for following the original movie. You of course get series vet Donald Pleasence returning as Doctor Loomis, as well as some new faces that help to add the mix. The characters aren't as memorable as those found in the first movie, but they do a good job of acting their parts. The killings of course are much more graphic than the original (even though some lack the intensity of the first movie) although some are laughable (like the hot tub scene), and the body count is of course bigger. However in terms of suspense and overall horror, it is the best in the series, behind the original. Combining the great plot with the cast and scares, it makes Halloween II equally as respectable as the original (although inferior I must admit).
No horror movie is ever going to capture the magic the original "Halloween" had. However "Halloween II" is probably the best thing that John Carpenter and co. could have done to follow the first movie. With all the other less than stellar sequels that followed, "Halloween II" remains one of the best movies in the series in terms of sheer suspense and horror. If you liked the original, then this is a perfect fit for you. It is criticized pretty harshly throughout the movie world, but that's mostly because its not the original reincarnated. Compared to all the other sequels the series has to offer though, you can do far worse. Give it a chance.
Movie Review: Evil Never Dies
Summary: 5 Stars
After "Halloween" proved to be a critical and commercial hit, a sequel may have been inevitable, but it's doubtful anyone ever expected it to be such a great outing. While not quite as good as the original. Still definately a Classic , And the final movie of the Michael Myers Rein. (Considering 4-8 Didnt have nothing too do with the Original Creaters). The second entry in the "Halloween" series is still a Classic-made film that will inspire many to go lock their doors.
"Halloween II" picks up right where the first film left off, with Michael Myers pumped full of bullets courtesy of Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence). But while he may be down, he's anything but out, and has followed Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital where she's receiving treatment for her injuries. Haunting the hospital's deserted hallways, Myers makes use of medical equipment on whomever he finds in ways that the AMA certainly wouldn't approve. While Laurie tries to evade her would be killer, Dr. Loomis obsessively hunts Myers, leading to a fiery conclusion.
Taking over for director John Carpenter, Rick Rosenthal (who would return to the franchise more than 20 years later with "Halloween: Resurrection") lacks the style that made the original "Halloween" so memorable. Nevertheless there are some scary and gruesome incidents as Michael dispatches of the hospital staff in his search for Laurie. In fact, the sequel is a bit gorier than its predecessor, adding more to the shock value quotient. Rosenthal also uses POV shots as effectively as Carpenter did, adding to the illusion that we're seeing events through Myers' eyes. Rosenthal also knows how to use shadows and darkness, making things seem scarier than they are. Must mention the "Camera Angels" are once again CLASSIC.
The script by John Carpenter and Debra Hill essentially gives us more of the same. The setting is changed to a hospital, and it's revealed that Laurie is Michael's sister, but little else is added to the night Myers came home. As for the concept that Michael Myers is possessed by the Celtic Lord of the Dead - that innovative concept is mentioned, but never really explored. Which is kind of for the best.
Plenty of care was put into the character of Michael Myers. He's shown to be not just an insane killer, as he avoids killing an elderly couple and walks the streets of Haddonfield trying to look innocuous. Myers is shown to be quite intelligent, coming across as a man with a mission. This added trait makes him stand out from the pack of lunatic imitators, and sets him up as an Classic Horror Icon.
Jaime Lee Curtis is fair as Laurie Strode, but she shows none of the spirit she had in the original, and mainly looks like she's having some sort of out of body experience. Lance Guest does a good job as her would-be boyfriend, projecting sensitivity and compassion that makes him a likeable character. Too bad he dies by slipping on a pool of blood and hitting his head;
But it's Donald Pleasence, as Dr. Loomis, who steals the film. Pleasence has the right blend of desperation, single-mindedness and fear that makes him the centerpiece player in the franchise. You can even feel his commanding presence even when Loomis is off screen.
The second "Halloween" film, while not quite as good as the first, It comes pretty close, and is still a very entertaining entry. More importantly, it sets up ideas that come into play in future sequels. Overall, "Halloween 2" is a scary and effective treat, and the final classic of the "Halloween Franchise".
Movie Review: The Best Sequel That Actually Succeeds At Being Scary!
Summary: 5 Stars
Halloween 2 is a great movie. Why it is so trashed and bashed around and ripped apart by criticts I may never know. It's the only sequel to succeed at actually being scary. Starting with Part 3, the films just weren't scary. They lost their creepy atmosphere and were obviously being made for the money (aside from the sadly underrated and very well made third film). But, Part 2 picks up on the very same night as the original horror film, which is what makes it work. In most scary movie sequels, they pick up 5 or 6 years later, and thus they lose their scare factor. [...]
Halloween 2 is so very sadly underrated. I consider it to be just as classic as the original film. It's a lot darker, and only about 1 minute has any daylight, where as about a half hour was in daylight in the original film. But, this movie's actually pretty scary! The scene with the security guard in the warehouse will give ou the shivers! There are several extremely creepy, eerie scenes in this one. Jamie Lee is given a lot less to do, and barely has any dialogue, but what she does have to do, she does well. Donald Pleasance starts to go a little insane in this one (he'd get REALLY insane in later entries), and there is an overall creepy atmosphere to the whole film. It's pretty difficult to, 3 years later, film a movie that takes place on the same night, but the movie does this very well (the same channel is still having classic horror movies on, nice touch). John Carpenter wrote the film, but didn't direct. I think that Rick Rosenthal does great as director. Dick Warlock puts on the spray painted Captain Kirk mask for this entry, and is the only good actor to play Michael aside from Nick Castle in the film. He doe a great job. Nancy Stephans (who had a small part in the original film) returns to play a much more important part. The film does have all the suspense of the original, but also adds truckload of gore to spice it up. Apparently John Carpenter filmed these gory scenes behind Rosenthal's back. That's certainly not a bad thing, I don't mind gore. The movie is a lot more gruesome than the first. A girl gets her entire body drained of blood and one chick gets a needle through her eye. Yikes! [...] People dissipointed with the original films lack of blood, this one should satisfy you a lot more.
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Halloween 2, to me, is just as much a classic as the original, and I highley recommend it. [...]