FILM REVIEW: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (Producer's Cut) (1995)

Let me start off by saying that I’ve never cared for the theatrical version of The Curse of Michael Myers.  My big complaint is that like The Return of Michael Myers and The Revenge of Michael Myers, Michael is an oaf. It would appear that while Season of the Witch was being made, Michael hit the gym hard on his time off and grew a few inches. Michael went from a normal sized guy to a pro wrestler, and the reason for this is because of Moustapha Akkad wanted to compete with Jason Voorhees. Where Akkad went wrong was ever trying to compare the Halloween series to an imitation. I also am not privy to the ugly mask nor its size. And I despise the ridiculous Thorn crap among other things. So, going into this Unrated Producer’s Cut (originally known as Halloween 666), I definitely wasn’t excited, but I was thinking it had to be better…

HORROR TOY TUESDAY: My 1/6 Scale 1978 Michael Myers Action figure

Halloween is my favorite horror motion picture of all-time. No other genre film comes close to it. There’s never been a time when I’ve seen a new horror that I haven’t seen before and think, “damn, that gives Halloween a run for its money”. And there probably never will be. So, as a high-end action figure collector, it is very important to me that I own a realistic and accurate figure of “The Shape” from the 1978 classic. However, I knew that I was going to have to make one myself if I wanted one because the only officially licensed 12 inch figure was done by Sideshow Collectibles many years ago, and they failed miserably at it.

Throwback Thursday Review: 'HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH' (1982)

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 98 Mins
WRITER(S)- Tommy Lee Wallace
STARRING- Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin and Dan O'Herlihy
DIRECTOR(S)- Tommy Lee Wallace



Synopsis taken from IMDb
A large Halloween mask-making company has plans to kill millions of American children with something sinister hidden in Halloween masks. 




I'll be the first to admit that I was one of the many people who thrashed this film upon seeing it the first time. After John Carpenter's 1978 smash hit Halloween landed, we were given a less than worthy sequel just three years later. And although Halloween II was fair, it left a lot more to be desired about Michael Myers. Then, just one year after it's release, we're given Halloween III: Season of the Witch, which has absolutely nothing to do with Michael Myers or the first two films. So, yeah, a lot of people were severely let down, like myself. But, the fact that there was no Myers in it completely blinded almost everyone to how good the third film is as a stand-alone feature.

10 Favorite Death Scenes

With all the 5's and 10's lists I've been doing lately, I figured it only to be natural that I mention my favorite death scenes. This list, however, was tremendously difficult. Because I've simply seen too many horror films to narrow it down. But, after tedious thinking, I was able to compose a list of the scenes that have impacted me in some way or another.

There's such an abundance of films that I've viewed that I could easily make this a top 20 list. There's too many honorable mentions to even begin naming. The scenes below are the ones that made the list, and the ones that have burned their way into my mind.

Having watched horror films since I was a small child, I had to dig my way through all the great and terrible films I've seen in order to assemble this list. I give credit where credit is due, and everyone has a few scenes that they think of when they think of certain horror films that make them cringe or look away. Well, here's mine.

1. Halloween (1978)

2. Suspiria (1977)

3. Final Destination 2 (2003)

4. High Tension (2003)

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

6. The Lost Boys (1987)

7. Alien (1979)

8. Sleepaway Camp (1983)

9. The Blob (1988)

10. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)

Find Your Way With "The Horror Map"

http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/ is one of the largest horror news and resource websites on the internet. And how do they improve their already great site? Well, they added "The Horror Map".

"The Horror Map" uses Google Map technology to provide users with easy access to the location of more than 500 movies from the Horror News Network database. Each location provides an overview of the movie, including the release date and brief synopsis. Registered users, fans and filmmakers are able to contribute to the resource by pinning the location of any movie that is in the Horror News Network database. For movies not already in their database, the registered user can easily add the movie before pinning it to the map.

Bringing horror movie fans directly to the scene, this is the latest feature on the Horror News Network's site. And it's a groundbreaking idea. Things like this are what makes some sites soar above others. Very inventive, and quite awesome, if I say so myself. Rob Caprilozzi, owner of the Horror News Network said, "The Horror Map is a fantastic source for fans of the horror genre," and he wasn't lying. Films such as "Scream", "Nightbreed", "Rosemary's Baby", "Friday the 13th", "Halloween" and others are already pinned to the map!

I checked the map out myself, and it's such a cool tool to access! If you haven't done so already, go check it out, and stop missing out! All this really does is give us all yet another reason to frequent the website.

http://horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-map

Blu-Ray Review: HALLOWEEN 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITON

If you've stopped and read my blog from time to time, or if you're a regular to my site, you probably know that the John Carpenter masterpiece film, "Halloween" is my all-time favorite horror flick. I owe a lot to this picture. It's the reason I got into movies as hard as I have, and why I became so head over heals in love with the genre. So, of course, when the new Blu-Ray by Anchor Bay landed, I had to be a part of it.

First off, the picture quality of the movie is completely amazing! The transfer is so smooth and clear. While watching it with a group of friends, they we all picking out things that they haven't seen in such clarity before. And visual vibrance that's downright stunning! Most notably, when Lorie and her gal pals are walking home from school. And, whenever Michael is in the car.

Secondly, I'll mention the packaging. When I first saw the official add for this release, I was instantly a fan of the cover. It's not the classic image of the pumpkin, but it's a nice touch for a deluxe edition. I still think I would have preferred a more artistic cover, like something Scream Factory would have done. But, the one we're provided is sleek and original, while also being taking in a more serious tone. So, it gets a positive vote from me.

The case itself is the the form of hardback book. And, when you open it, the original poster art is on the inside cover. And there's pages of behind the scenes photos, quotes, and the story behind the film. The presentation of this Blu-Ray is pretty impressive! Below, you'll see I took some in hand shots. Sorry for the poor quality on some. The lighting in my house is dim, and I like it that way.

Now, we'll talk about the bonus features. Honestly, the lack thereof is the only thing truly disappointing about this edition. There's only a small handful of features which include, trailers, TV spots, On Location- 25 Years Later (10 minute featurette), TV version footage, new commentary with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, and a new documentary on Jamie Lee Curtis' first and last horror convention appearance at a Horrorhound Weekend event. 

The TV version footage was what I got the most enjoyment out of, because it is great to be watching scenes again that I haven't seen in years. Most of which, I remember clear as day. So, it's really cool to own the cut footage. Aside from that, all I watched was the Documentary on Jamie Lee because, I've seen all the other features before. I haven't watched the new commentary yet, but plan on doing so later tonight! This one should be interesting.

If you own "Halloween" on DVD, and have a good amount of bonus stuff, I don't recommend you discard it. I'll be holding onto my 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, which is also released by Anchor Bay. And, is also the recommended edition to have of this film for just the bonus material alone!

Ultimately, this release is more in celebration of the top-notch picture quality than anything else. It's worth owning for that reason as well. Not to mention the hardback book case that it comes in, which I actually heard is a limited run. So, get yours when you can, and sooner than later!

Top 5 Worst Horror Movie Remakes

In response to my popular post last week on the best horror movie remakes, I figured I'd do a follow-up. This time, talking about the worst horror remakes around. The ones that to me, don't offer anything new or creative, and don't do the originals justice. As always, when remakes are brought up, it's bound to draw attention in both the positive and negative. Remakes are the hardest thing for genre fans to agree or disagree on. I won't be surprised if many disagree with this list. I also won't be surprised if many agree.

Before you read this list, you should make sure and check out last weeks post first. Top 5 Horror Movie Remakes

The movies listed below are the worst of the worst. And yes, before anyone says anything, Rob Zombie's "Halloween" remake is on the list. I think Rob is more controversial and hated than remakes at times. I personally, don't have any issues with him, and I enjoy most of his work. However, his remake of the greatest horror film ever was atrocious to me, as is the sequel. There are worse remakes out there though, and there all here too.

1) One Missed Call (2008)

2) Day of the Dead (2008)

3) Prom Night (2008)

4) The Fog (2005)

5) Halloween (2007)

Older Movie Review: PIGS (1972)

A.K.A. Daddy's Deadly Darling

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 80 MINS
WRITER(S)- MARC LAWRENCE
STARRING- TONI LAWRENCE, MARC LAWRENCE, AND JESSE VINT
DIRECTOR- MARC LAWRENCE



Synopsis taken from IMDb
Lynn Hart is a disturbed young woman who escapes from a mental hospital where she was committed for killing her abusive father who raped her. Stealing a nurse's uniform and car, Lynn ends up in a small Calfornia town where she meets and shacks up with Zambrini, and old farmer who runs the local motel and roadside cafe. Zambrini also owns a group of pigs that he keeps in a pen behind his house who have somehow developed a taste for human flesh. When Lynn begins killing a number of men who remind her of her dead father, Zambrini helps her out by disposing of the bodies to the pigs. Investigating the disappearances, the local sheriff eventually becomes suspicious of Lynn's past and a private investigator, hired by the hospital to find her, slowly close in on Lynn.

Surprisingly enough, I had not heard of this film until last week. I was part of a discussion where this was brought up, and it automatically sounded like my type of flick. And, luckily enough, even though I've never heard of it, it is extremely easy to find! So, I had myself a movie night and checked it out.

The transfer was very dark and gritty but, I don't mind that. I like some films more that way. I appreciate Blu-Ray and all it's technological advances it provides to our viewing pleasure but, some films just have a better effect when they're viewed in their grainy glory. For this type of movie, the quality was actually perfect. Not saying that I wouldn't wanna see it in Blu-Ray in the future though.

It gives off vibes that are relevant to "Don't Look in the Basement" from 1973, and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" from the following year. However, both films came after the release of this one! So one's got to think that it's possible for this to have actually influenced them? I suppose we'll never know because, this motion picture is very low-key and underground. I don't know how many people have heard of it and, as I mentioned above, I just heard of it, myself. 

It starts off with some pedophilia and incest, and then murder. Lynn (Toni Hart) lives in her own state of mind, ignorant to the truth, because she's very fragile after having such horrors done to her by her own father. The sexual abuse depicted is more implied than anything. There's not much shown, and when dealing with such delicate topics, that's always a good thing. Lynn leaves to find refuge with the weird old man, Zambrini (Marc Lawrence), who locals pick on and condemn. Claiming he feeds humans to his pigs, Zambrini is always on the defense, and being an old man, he's very convincing. 

Although twisted and strange, there's hardly any gore shown. It's not a bloody movie, much like Texas Chainsaw. And it doesn't need it. It's actually very effective without showing much, (the way old school films used to do) before it became the standard to show everything and capitalize on the shock/gross-out factor. But, there is at least one "holy shitaki!" moment that involves a very close encounter with Zambrini and the sheriff, and a severed hand. Even though we get the feeling Zambrini is weary of Lynn, and knows there's something off with her, he still helps her dispose of her victims. Guess he's become somewhat of a master at it.

People in town say that they think his pigs only want to eat humans, and that they become the humans they eat. I'm not sure where this film was shot but, it the setting was perfect, and genuine. 

Despite how much I enjoyed watching this, it still has it's flaws. For example, it tends to drag on from time to time, and get a little dry and boring. It's also quite predictable but, it's effective. And considering that it was probably released ahead of it's time, I have to give kudos. Although I like it, I have a feeling I'd love it if I were around back in the day when it was released! Coming before so many other films like it, it puts things in new perspective. And it gets a nod from me for being original, and thrilling.

The only character development we get is dialog. Even though we see both sides of both Lynn and Zambrini, there's not much in the way of growth between them, or for them individually. But, they're the type of people that you feel you know all about just by looking at them. There's a positive for all of the negatives that I can say about this movie but, that doesn't make it perfect. Really, this is just a good watch if you're into low-budget films from the 70's, and aren't looking for a masterpiece. It's entertaining, interesting, and even enjoyable.

This is definitely one I'd break out from time to time. It really would make a good double feature with "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". If you haven't seen this one yet, go do so. It's not very long, and it's a trip into one of the finer ages of the horror genre. Not really scary, more suspenseful, you'll walk away loving it or hating it. Someone told me they didn't like it due to "lack of gore" but, that's never bothered me. 

Part of me thinks I'd be more critical if I wasn't such a fan of films from the 70's and 80's, and maybe that's true. Maybe it's hard for me to be unbiased with these types of pictures, although there's plenty of films from both decades that I loathe. Either way, it's not a bad watch, and maybe you'll even get turned onto a film you didn't even know about, and like it, just like me.

Suffering from weak plot, weird and underdeveloped characters, and some tediously boring parts, "Pigs" isn't the best thing you'll ever watch. I am a fan though, and I'm glad I was recommended this one, because it's my type of movie, at the end of the day.

41 Horror Films In 31 Days

Below, you'll find the list I've comprised for this year's Halloween viewing, which I'll be starting at the beginning of next month. Last year, I feel that I was deprived of a proper Halloween. Reason being, it just came up to fast, I let time slip by. And I didn't get to watch the films that I usually do, the ones that put me in the mood for Halloween. Aside from watching John Carpenter's "Halloween", which I watch every year on the actual holiday, I can't remember any other flicks that I watched.

I used to run marathons, where I'd almost clear my entire movie collection!

This year, I can't watch as many as I'd like because of life but, I've got a solid list ahead of me that I mapped out. I'm not watching any Freddy's or Jason's, or Chucky's because, I've just gone through all of them in the past three or four months. So, I've sacrificed watching the common classics for the sake of visiting pictures that I haven't seen in a while. Of course, there's still some all-time greats that I had to keep on the list, and wouldn't replace.

On a side note, I'll openly admit that if possible, I'll exceed this list. I'd like to watch "Maniac Cop" for the fifth or sixth time. I'll also try and squeeze the "Evil Dead" remake in, and if possible, any or all of the original trilogy.

If you're a genre buff, you'll know most of the films, if not all of them on my list. If you aren't familiar with any, and would like to be, all of the motion pictures listed are linked to their IMDb page.

1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
2. The Howling (1981)
3. Ginger Snaps (2000)
4. Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed (2004)
5. Bad Moon (1996)
6. Wrong Turn (2003)
7. The Strangers (2008)
8. The Funhouse (1981)
9. 2001 Maniacs (2005)
10. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
11. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
12. Dead and Breakfast (2004)
13. Re-Animator (1985)
14. Day of the Dead (1985)
15. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
16. Resident Evil (2002)
17. Paranormal Activity (2007)
18. The Innkeepers (2011)
19. The Sentinel (1977)
20. The Orphanage (2007)
21. House on Haunted Hill (1959)
22. 976-Evil (1988)
23. The Exorcist (1973)
24. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
25. Fright Night (1985)
26. The Lost Boys (1987)
27. The Prowler (1981)
28. Prom Night (1980)
29. April Fool's Day (1986)
30. Happy Birthday to Me (1981)
31. Intruder (1989)
32. Carrie (1976)
33. Silver Bullet (1985)
34. Pet Sematary (1989)
35. Pet Sematary II (1992)
36. Hocus Pocus (1993)
37. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
38. Trick or Treat (1986)
39. Night of the Demons (1988)
40. Halloween (1978)
41. Halloween II (1981)

YOU'RE NEXT is a modern horror masterpiece

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 94 MINS
WRITER(S)- SIMON BARRETT
STARRING- SHARNI VINSON, JOE SWANBERG, AND AJ BOWEN
DIRECTOR- ADAM WINGARD



Synopsis taken from IMDb
When the Davidson family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one victim harbors a secret attack for fighting back.

I know, I know, I'm a bit late on this one. Sorry for the delay, I'm just simply backed up with stuff to watch, including screeners. I got back from seeing this film last night, and I left the theater talking about it, and smiling. It actually cracks me up whenever good motion pictures like this hit, and are a big deal amongst the horror community. Because, it shows all the people out there ignorantly boasting about horror being dead, that it's clearly not. Yeah, there's been a lot of bad horrors this year, films that didn't live up to their expectations, like "The Purge". 

But, however you look at it, there's been a good amount of good horror films made this year. With "Evil Dead", "The Conjuring", and "You're Next" all doing well at the box-office, and going over well with the majority of genre fans, I'd say horror is kicking and screaming. The list goes on, we've got "The Lords of Salem", and "Hatchet III" to include as well. But, let's move on to the film at hand here...

"You're Next" is a brilliant breath of fresh air! Yeah, it's a home invasion movie, and there's others like it. That doesn't matter, as long as the movie manages to mix things up and go to new places, which this motion picture does. Though this took two years to finally hit the big screen and get the theatrical release it deserved, it is more than well worth the wait! 

It begins with a slow, yet explosive opening that instantly sets the mood for the whole duration. There is nothing pretty about it, it's just very gritty and balls to the wall horror. And it manages to stay entertaining and not go too far into the realism to the point where it takes the viewer out of the picture, or becomes uncomfortable to watch. Being totally honest, with all the hype buzzing around this one, I was really worried that I'd be the oddball and not like it. That's not the case.

Aside from being fresh and hip, the film manages to be smart and sexy, and completely enjoyable. Best thing of all is that it's not predictable. The characters are well crafted and genuine, which does make the brutality of it a little unnerving but, that's the freaking point! I'm completely impressed overall. Not to mention that Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) is in it and looks as beautiful as ever! 

Wilmington Delaware's own Ti West, director of "The House of the Devil" and "The Innkeepers", plays a quick role as Tariq. I found it amusing because his character is an exaggerated version of himself, pretty much. 

The thing that stands out the most about this movie, that really makes it a winner, is the fact that we're given the best female heroine since Jamie Lee Curtis' performance as Laurie Strode from the original John Carpenter classic from 1978, "Halloween". Sharni Vinson (Bait 3D) plays Erin, a bad-ass chick who can more than handle her own. She's smart, tough, and totally believable. On a side note, I'd like to mention that I like how there is backstory added in to explain how she's such a strong woman. Without that tidbit, her character wouldn't have held up as well.

Aside from the acting and characters, the story doesn't let up once it starts. It's just non-stop, in-your-face entertainment. I've got to commend Adam Wingard for not overusing gore. This film is kept grounded in the sense that it doesn't become unbelievable due to the amount of blood used. It's used where necessary. And the kills are both inventive, and things we've seen before. Even so, they're all bloody well done, no pun intended.

As the story plays out, everything comes into light and we realize that the killers actually have a motive, unlike 2008's "The Strangers", in which this film is often compared. And, the plot twists are on point, and keep you glued to the screen. It's heart pounding thrill after thrill, with plenty of jumps. Lastly, what I noticed and really appreciated about this movie, is that the scares aren't given away and made predictable with the music. "You're Next" just jumps out and grabs you! It's the best film of it's kind in recent memory.

Grimm Reviewz Remembers: Halloween (1978)

Every some odd years a horror film comes out that pushes the genre in a new direction, that comes up with a new way to terrify people. That stands out amongst any other horror film. In the year 1978 we witnessed the birth of the new face of horror. Halloween isn't the first slasher film, it's predecessors include Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) and Bob Clark's Black Christmas (1974). However, Halloween is the one that terrified audiences into the transition of the slasher genre.

The story goes that John Carpenter and Debra Hill wrote the script titled "The Babysitter Murders" about a masked man who stalks the streets on Halloween killing any babysitter he can literally get his hands on. John and Debra took this film to such studios as Paramount Pictures and others to only be declined. They were told the script is too scary and "no one will want to see it", but John and Debra didn't give up that easy. They decided they were going to release the film through an independent company called Compass International, independent film companies don't worry too much about reception and aren't afraid to take any heat. Halloween ended up breaking independent film records in grossing's and was a smash hit that everyone was going to see and talking about. Soon after the immediate success of Halloween, those same studios that declined Carpenter and Hill's script now saw the value and that people do want to see it.

However, after already being declined, John and Debra refused the studios' offers. So in the heat of not being able to buy the licence, those studios such as Paramount had to find another way to cash in on the slasher genre. That's how you get Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, they're the studios' versions of Michael Myers. So yes to all you Jason fanatics and Freddy Fanatics, Michael is the grandaddy and Jason and Freddy are creative imitations. I love all of the Friday the 13TH and A Nightmare On Elm Street films and I've been there since the beginning, but Halloween takes the cake.

DID YOU KNOW?

HALLOWEEN WAS JAMIE LEE CURTIS' FIRST FEATURE FILM AND SHE WAS REPORTEDLY GETTING $8,000 FOR THE ROLE OF LAURIE STRODE.

Through all of the years both before Halloween was made and after, one thing remains true to this day and that is that Halloween is the golden standard, the measuring stick in which all slasher films and horror films in general are compared. It's the golden child of horror. Without Halloween we wouldn't have the slasher genre and we wouldn't have Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees. Halloween changed the playing field, it gave horror films a new opportunity to do something truly terrifying. Halloween is my favorite horror film of all-time and I truly believe it's the greatest horror film ever made.

Just from the opening credits you knew you were in for something that was going to chill you to your marrow, that theme playing and plucking at your nerves as you felt the suspense instantly. This is what would become the greatest horror movie theme of all-time, everyone knows that theme. It's as common a part of music as the billboard charts. Even people who haven't seen the film know the theme and that says a lot. I remember the theme scaring the hell out of me, I knew this was something special right of the bat.

The opening scene of Michael's POV as he watches his sister Judith and her boyfriend go upstairs for a quickie is just downright creepy. You can smell the bad intentions little Michael has in the air. Soon after her boyfriend leaving Judith is brushing her hair when we see little Michael put his mask on and we watch him stab her multiple, multiple times until she's dead. Michael then walks out side and is confronted by his parents and we see that Michael is wearing a clown costume, which is funny because grown Michael was originally supposed to wear a clown mask but they changed that last minute. After seeing this scene there really isn't too much you can say, I remember glued to my seat and speechless.

FILM QUOTE

DR. LOOMIS: I MET HIM, FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT. NO REASON, NO CONSCIENCE, NO UNDERSTANDING; EVEN THE MOST RUDIMENTARY SENSE OF LIFE OR DEATH, GOOD OR EVIL, RIGHT OR WRONG. I MET THIS SIX-YEAR-OLD CHILD, WITH THIS BLANK, PALE, EMOTIONLESS FACE AND, THE BLACKEST EYES...THE *DEVIL'S* EYES. I SPENT EIGHT YEARS TRYING TO REACH HIM, AND THEN ANOTHER SEVEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM LOCKED UP BECAUSE I REALIZED WHAT WAS LIVING BEYOND THAT BOY'S EYES WAS PURELY AND SIMPLY...*EVIL*. 

15 years later, we're introduced to a Laurie Strode played by a young Jamie Lee Curtis. Carpenter drilled it into you from the first time you see her that she's pure at heart and a kind, loving person. And thus making us so scared for her when she has to face the monster that is Michael Myers. We don't find out that Michael is Laurie strode's brother until the sequel, because that wasn't Carpenter's first idea of where to go with the film. Laurie Strode is a great character and played perfectly and convincingly. 

We're introduced to Dr. Sam Loomis played by Donald Pleasence, he's driving to a mental institution with a new nurse, telling her how dangerous Michael is as they slowly start to realize that the inmates are lose. Loomis goes to check on the situation and Michael soon after sneaks away in Loomis' car. Loomis adds such dimension to this film, it wouldn't be the same without his character. Having been Michael's psychiatrist, he knows how Michael thinks and becomes the hero of the film, the only one who can take Myers down.

I remember the scene where Michael is outside of Laurie's class window watching her, and when Laurie sees him. Truly chilling scene. Downright creepy. As Loomis predicts, Michael has come home on Halloween. 15 years after he murdered his sister. Back to do it again. There's just so many things about this film that work, it's a work of art. A masterpiece. Halloween is to horror what The Godfather was to drama. The white mask, so daunting and cold, creepy. A blank canvas for you to project your worst fears.

 DID YOU KNOW?

ALL THE ACTORS WORE THEIR OWN CLOTHES, SINCE THERE WAS NO MONEY FOR A COSTUME DEPARTMENT. JAMIE LEE CURTIS WENT TO J.C. PENNY FOR LAURIE STRODE'S WARDROBE. SHE SPENT LESS THAN A HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE ENTIRE SET.

The kills in this movie were nothing short of frightening. The thing about Michael is that he can be anywhere and doing anything. Watching you, studying you and preying on you. Myers is an alpha male with no heart, no soul, no emotion and no motive. Motivated only by his desire to do very bad things.

I think that another thing that makes this movie stand out is that all of the kills stand out and are memorable. You recall every one of these kills because they're sprinkled with a big dose of suspense and the fact that Michael is such a mystery makes it even more terrifying. When he dresses as the ghost, acting like Lynda's boyfriend, I think every audience was terrified and metaphorically crapping their pants. Especially after watching how brutal and scary the death of Lynda's boyfriend was, and possibly the most iconic and memorable at that. Leaving him impaled to the wall with a butcher knife inches off the ground. As he creeps up on Lynda as she's on the phone and the music kicks it it's truly nail biting suspense.

The scene where he kills Annie is also a very terrifying scene. She goes to her car to see that it's locked, so she goes back inside the house to get her keys. When she returns and gets into the car she realizes that the door wasn't locked like it had been moments before. Michael comes up from the backseat and murders her ruthlessly. This is a scene where if you have a girl with you, she's squeezing the hell out of your hand and or turning her head. And the thing is, I don't even think it's the scariest part of the whole ordeal with Annie, I think his stalking her was scarier, how he was watching her in her house, while she was doing laundry and even killing her dog.

FILM QUOTE

LYNDA: [CONCERNING ANNIE] THE ONLY REASON SHE BABY SITS IS TO HAVE A PLACE FOR...

LAURIE: [REALIZING SHE FORGOT ONE OF HER SCHOOL BOOKS] SH*T.

ANNIE BRACKETT: I HAVE A PLACE FOR *THAT*!

LAURIE: I FORGOT MY CHEMISTRY BOOK.

LYNDA: SO WHO CARES? I ALWAYS FORGET MY CHEMISTRY BOOK AND MY MATH BOOK, AND MY ENGLISH BOOK, AND MY, LETS SEE, MY FRENCH BOOK, AND...WELL WHO NEEDS BOOKS ANYWAY. I DON'T NEED BOOKS, I ALWAYS FORGET ALL MY BOOKS, I MEAN, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER IF YOU HAVE YOUR BOOKS OR NOT...HEY, ISN'T THAT DEVON GRAHAM?

Then of course Laurie goes and gets suspicious as to why all of her friends are disappearing and not answering their phones. She pursues them by going to Annie's house and in lies the epic conclusion to the best slasher film to ever grace the screen. So many memorable scenes that're frightening and shocking! Laurie hiding in the closet as Michael destroys the closet door to get inside and get at her. Him sitting up in back of her while she weeps with her back turned to him. Dr. Loomis coming to save the day and running Michael off, saving Laurie but also leaving her completely traumatized. 

She is forced to accept the fact that she was face to face with the boogeyman. Loomis discovers Michael's body is missing and realizes that you can't kill pure evil and that sooner or later he'll be back. This film ends with you seeing Michael's POV as he watches around the neighborhood, adding to the scares and suspense of this is his heavy breathing, sounding vacant and sinister.

Halloween went on to spawn 6 sequels, none of which lives up to their predecessor but are enjoyable. In 2007 Rob Zombie did the remake of Halloween to generally negative reviews. 

DID YOU KNOW?

INSIDE LAURIE'S BEDROOM THERE IS A POSTER BY JAMES ENSOR (1860-1949). ENSOR WAS A BELGIAN EXPRESSIONIST WHO USED TO PORTRAY HUMAN FIGURES WEARING GROTESQUE MASKS.

Halloween isn't a film that's replaceable. It isn't going anywhere and there's no outdoing it. It cemented it's feet in the horror genre over 30 years ago and hasn't aged a day. Michael Myers is at the forefront of horror icons and will forever remain there. He's somewhat of a pop culture phenomenon, with merchandise of just about any thing you can think of and especially some awesome action figures and collectibles.

Another thing about Halloween that makes it special is that it isn't known for the cliche's that usually tag along with slasher films. I blame Freddy and Jason for the cliche's, everyone in Halloween seemed like real people, not imbosols who trip when  fleeing from the killer.

Halloween was achieved on such a low budget and yet it was done with a genius that you can't buy or fund. People often claim they don't have the "means" to make a good horror film, like they don't have enough of a budget or they don't have the right actors, and that's where they go wrong. You don't have to have an Oscar winning cast or a unlimited budget to make a good horror film, those are excuses. Being talented and being able to tell a scary story is all you need and that's what John Carpenter understood.

FILM QUOTE

[INTO PHONE]

DR. SAM LOOMIS: 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.

To say that Grimm Reviewz remembers Halloween is kind of an insult. I don't remember it, I celebrate it. Movies like this are why we like this genre, and despite all the bad ones us horror goers have to sit through, one like this comes along and makes it all worth it. We will always remember The Night He Came Home.

COMING NEXT MONTH

GRIMM REVIEWZ REMEMBERS