Halloween II

I never understood the amount of hate towards this movie. It delivered what all sequels should - a higher body count. Nothing new to report plot wise. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

I never understood the amount of hate towards this movie. It delivered what all sequels should - a higher body count. Nothing new to report plot wise. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Not only is this a good horror movie, it is a good film and if the first rates a 10/10, this is certainly of a 9. It is that good.

A much anticipated Sequel to a Horror Masterpiece, Halloween II picked up
where the first Halloween's excellence
left off. Rob Zombie's Halloween II was
very entertaining, but Rick Rosenthal
nailed it as John Carpenter's replacement!

“Halloween II” is one of those rare sequels that, even if it doesn’t match the originality or sophistication of its predecessor, still manages to carry the legacy with dignity. By picking up exactly where “Halloween” (1978) left off, the movie immediately throws the viewer back into that same terrifying night in Haddonfield, giving the story a real sense of continuity. Rick Rosenthal’s direction may not be as distinctive as John Carpenter’s, but he shows solid control over the genre, especially by using the hospital setting as a bleak and isolated space, which amps up the claustrophobic tension running through the whole film.

If the goal was to keep that same dark, slow-burn vibe from the first film, “Halloween II” totally nails it by turning the hospital into a quiet, creepy maze where Michael Myers’ presence just grows with every shadowy hallway. Keeping most of the action confined to one place is a smart move: the physical isolation of the characters adds to the psychological horror and makes Myers feel even more unstoppable: patient, cold, and basically everywhere. The way he stalks his victims – never rushing, never hesitating – feels even more unsettling this time around. There’s a particular scene where Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) tries to squeeze through a narrow window as he slowly approaches that’s pure tension in its rawest form.

Even though the plot leans more into those classic ‘80s slasher tropes – like bigger kills, bloodier visuals, and a few moments of dark humor – it still centers the story around its main characters. Curtis once again delivers a strong performance as Laurie, even if she gets less screen time and plays a more passive role this time; her emotional presence still hits hard. Donald Pleasence, on the other hand, takes Dr. Loomis to another level, cranking up the intensity and playing him almost as a fanatic, which actually works as an interesting contrast to Myers’ cold, silent menace. The film also introduces the idea that Laurie is Michael’s sister. Sure, it’s a twist that complicates the franchise’s mythology down the line, but it adds some extra emotional weight and deepens the tragic bond between them.

On the technical side, “Halloween II” keeps the bar high. Dean Cundey’s cinematography remains one of the series’ biggest assets, and here it leans even more into the darkness, using flickering fluorescent lights and empty hallways to create this sterile, eerie vibe. The score, once again composed by John Carpenter (this time alongside Alan Howarth), reworks the original themes with a more aggressive, synth-heavy approach that heightens the suspense and dread. Practical effects, especially in the kill scenes and the explosive finale, go for a more graphic punch but still feel grounded enough to avoid the cartoonish gore that would become common in the years that followed.

All in all, “Halloween II” is a solid, well-crafted sequel that expands the world of “Halloween” without betraying its aesthetic or atmospheric roots. It doesn’t try to reinvent the formula, but it sticks to a consistent style and delivers a story that keeps you hooked. It might not reach the minimalist perfection of the first film, but it gives horror fans and lovers of the original plenty to enjoy. And most importantly, it keeps the legend of Michael Myers alive as one of the scariest and most relentless villains in movie history.

A great follow up. The movie starts getting schlocky here, but manages to be tense and entertaining.

What I like about this movie is that the arc involving Laurie, Dr. Loomis and Michael Myers comes to a conclusion. Of course there are a lot more sequels, but this one provides a good ending, at least one that John Carpenter thought it was appropriate. I don't think he originally planned the first film to have a sequel, but it was not disappointing what we got though.

Michael is chasing Laurie again and everyone who crosses his path goes see God earlier (or the other guy), we learn a bit more about Laurie's past and that's about it. Poor Laurie, she can't take a single break and has to fight for her life over and over again. Michael's mask is not the same from the first film, which bothers me a bit, the first mask is just perfect. Unfortunately, they never managed to recreate the mask from the original movie in any sequel.

There are some good shots, I enjoyed those where we are in the point-of-view of Myers while he stalks some victim and walks through the neighborhood. Rick Rosenthal did a very good job as a replacement for Carpenter. The opening scene is really good, the music complements it so well while we stare at the pumpkin and as the camera gets closer and closer it reveals a skull inside of it, pretty neat.

The soundtrack is just perfect, fits so well with the horror, suspense and plot created.

Michael is almost indestructible, he must be some monster by this time. I would have preferred if they hadn't transformed him into this undying creature that doesn't even get injured. Good movie nonetheless.

Next up in the Scream Factory Boxset, giving the television cut a 1st time look for my 31 Days Of Horror.

Neat Horror more so for the fans of the legendary Michael Meyers.

I Rated this One a 2.5/5.. It's a lil weaker than the first one Plot Was Off loved the pace.. Writing and Directing Received no Points IMO... Characters was cast good but the acting and dialogue was a bit off.. Overall An Average Film with a good thrill and A lot More Violence.