(Photo Courtesy of Miramax) “Halloween Kills” is the latest installment of the Halloween franchise.
Kali Patterson
Connector Staff
Against all odds, Michael Myers is back and out for blood. The iconic masked serial killer returns in “Halloween Kills”, targeting Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, and her family. Picking up directly after 2018’s “Halloween”, “Halloween Kills” is the 12th installment in the legendary horror franchise. 40 years after Michael’s initial attack on Laurie, firefighters unknowingly release him from a burning home which he was previously imprisoned in, allowing him to continue his massacre in the town of Haddonfield. Laurie is recovering from the events of the previous film, recuperating with her daughter and granddaughter, who were both caught in the crossfire of Michael’s massacre.
Not for the faint of heart, “Halloween Kills” is a gory joyride for fans of the franchise who were disappointed by 2020’s inevitable delay of the movie. Brought to life by horror powerhouse, Blumhouse Productions (the studio responsible for “Paranormal Activity”, “The Purge”, “Get Out”, etc.) and directed by David Gordon Green, the sequel hits all the notes one would expect from an installment of the “Halloween” franchise.
Curtis delivers another amazing performance as final girl, Laurie Strode. The film takes time to demonstrate her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), expanding on her character and showing the consequences to Michael’s forty-year killing spree. The silent performance of James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers is chilling and extremely reminiscent of performances from past actors who made the character into the horror icon he is today.
Critics of the film have judged it for its lack of originality. However, its nostalgia makes sense and connects it to previous films in the series. “Halloween Kills” delivers everything “Halloween” fans expect all while setting up for a sequel, which is confirmed for October of 2022. While the criticism is understandable, the film feels how a “Halloween” film should feel. Anything too different might not have fit in with the rest of the franchise or built upon the established universe.
An interesting development the film presents is the town of Haddonfield uniting against Michael’s threat in an effort to stop him. However, as expected, Michael is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Even so, Haddonfield’s population working together against him is a new plot development that keeps the story fresh and interesting. It is no longer Laurie or her family facing Michael alone, they have the entire town to help them in their fight.
For fans of the “Halloween” series, or horror fans in general, “Halloween Kills” is a thrilling expansion full of scares that fits the season perfectly. Great acting performances and nostalgia bring this movie to the next level, making it a great 12th addition to the franchise. Since it is the middle of a new trilogy of films, it is likely that it will not be as enjoyable without having seen the 2018 precedent. Those who dare can watch “Halloween Kills” in theaters, but the film is also available to stream at home on Peacock.
Grade: A
