When I first saw this 10th Michael Myers outing, I thought it was just OK and nothing more. I believed it to be a small disappointment. But now that I think about it, "Halloween II" is better than I thought it was, at first. Now, I realize that this movie has a lot going for it, despite a few flaws.
The plot revolves around the damaged lives of some of the residents of Haddonfield. Laurie Strode is now living with her friend, Annie, and her father, sheriff Lee Brackett. Physically, Laurie is fine, but mentally, part of Laurie's mind is destroyed because of what happened on Halloween night in 1978. She has terrible nightmares, and can't bear to think about her psychopathic brother, Michael. Laurie keeps reminding herself that The Shape is dead and gone, never to come back again. But she's very, very wrong. Michael Myers is very much alive, and he's coming back to Haddonfield to claim his sister. And anybody who gets in his way...will suffer his painful wrath.
2007's "Halloween" tapped into the twisted icon's psychosis, and then it went on to be a remake of the original, only with new, original touches. "Halloween II" is actually not a remake. It is Rob Zombie's own movie, a truly different film for a slasher hero like Michael Myers. Zombie has crafted an original story and several characters you believe in.
You know what really surprised me? "Halloween II" is not as bloody as the first. Well, at least after the second act. Zombie shoots most of his kill scenes in very shadowy environments, keeping the tension amped up and the claustrophobia settled in perfectly. Michael could have gone farther, but he went far enough.
The one thing that I probably admired the most about "Halloween II" is how much the character of Laurie Strode changed. She is almost bipolar, but then again, wouldn't you be if someone like Michael Myers attacked you? Zombie creates a very accurate vision of a traumatized, sympathetic teenager who finds out terrible things about who she really is. And Scout Taylor Compton has always been the perfect girl to play Laurie. She did an awesome job in the first movie, and she does it again here. This is a wonderful and believable actress who can really scream her guts out!
Now, here's where the movie had its flaw: I was like all the other "Halloween" fans, asking myself "What the hell happened to Dr. Loomis?" He pretty much became a jerk, obsessed with publicity and success. Whatever happened to Loomis making sure that his patient was dead? But if you're willing to not study the character too much, Malcolm MacDowell's performance is quite entertaining.
I enjoy the new Michael Myers look: the dirty, hooded coat, a brand-new knife, and the classic William Shatner mask is nearly torn in half, revealing part of The Shape's face. But if they're going to bring Michael back for another "Halloween" movie, they should probably just stick with black overalls and the regular mask. There's always a costume store that Michael can sneak into. He did it in "Halloween 4."
The cast is well-rounded. Like I said before, Scout Taylor Compton is great as Laurie. Malcolm MacDowell is back as Dr. Loomis, Brad Dourif is very good as Sheriff Brackett, and it's always a joy to see Danielle Harris as Annie. Along with those guys are more cameos from stars such as Margot Kidder, Weird Al Yankovic, Howard Hesseman, and Caroline Williams. Also back from the first movie is Sheri Moon Zombie as the illusive Deborah Myers, complete with a creepy look and a white horse. And Tyler Mane is awesome, as always, as Michael.
The music is composed, once again, by Tyler Bates. This time, he doesn't use much of the original score by John Carpenter. Instead, he creates his own music, setting an even bleaker tone for the movie.
I know that "Halloween II" wasn't so well-received when it came out. And I understand how people feel about it. It does have its flaws, including a script that is a little bit thin. But, I went into this movie with the right expectations, knowing that this wasn't going to be like Rob Zombie's first outing with Michael Myers. So, "Halloween II" is more than OK. I realize now that it's a very unique, original, and bizarre entry in the franchise that is soon to develop a cult status. Consider "Halloween II" booked on my DVD shelf.
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