The Unfocused and Undercooked Nature of Halloween (2018)
Introduction
In this article, we explore the polarizing realm of Halloween (2018), a sequel that has garnered both praise and criticism. Directed by David Gordon Green, this film faced the challenge of living up to the legacy of its predecessors while introducing fresh elements. However, in my humble opinion, Halloween (2018) falls short of being a delightful treat. In this analysis, we explore the reasons behind my unpopular perspective.
The Complexity of Sequels with the Same Name
One of the reasons I hold reservations about sequels with the same name as the original is the potential for confusion. With multiple movies sharing the title Halloween, it becomes necessary to specify which specific installment we are referring to. The franchise, known for its longevity and frequent resurrections, has left fans perplexed over the years. Perhaps this cynical perspective stems from the parallels between the film’s slashers and its convoluted continuity.
The Challenges of Slasher Sequels
Sequels, especially in the horror genre, face an inherent hurdle when it comes to captivating audiences. The fear factor diminishes when viewers encounter a premise they have seen before. Series like Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Paranormal Activity, and Halloween itself have struggled to maintain the initial intrigue with each successive installment. Halloween (2018) seemed positioned to defy this trend, with a return to the franchise’s roots and a simplified focus. However, for me, it failed to achieve the desired impact.
The Genuine Potential of the Premise
After witnessing the resurgence of a decaying jack-o’-lantern as the opening credits roll, Halloween (2018) sets the stage for a narrative that discards all the convoluted mythology of its predecessors. The story picks up directly from the events of the original Halloween, reintroducing Michael Myers and Laurie Strode forty years later. Laurie, played by the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis, has transformed into a hardened survivor, haunted by trauma and paranoia. She has fortressed her home and prepared herself for the inevitable confrontation with Myers, encapsulating the theme of deep-rooted fear and its impact on one’s life.
The Fascination of PTSD and Slasher Survival
This aspect of the film, exploring into the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by Laurie Strode, proves to be the film’s strongest feature. The notion of surviving a slasher movie and the subsequent psychological effects it has on a person’s life is undeniably compelling. The audience cannot easily forget the terror of encountering a masked madman attempting to harm them. Laurie’s decades-long obsession with Myers, her self-imposed nightmare, adds a chilling layer to Halloween (2018). The anxiously anticipated reunion between Laurie and Myers reflects her fervent desire to finally face her fears and put an end to the terror once and for all.
Too Many Unnecessary Plots
While the exploration of Laurie’s trauma stands as a captivating aspect, it regrettably receives insufficient attention. The remainder of the film becomes cluttered with various plot threads that lack direction and purpose. Superfluous drama involving a group of high school students, including Allyson, Laurie’s granddaughter, dilutes the impact of Laurie’s story. Inconsistencies in Allyson’s focus, alternating between her family’s ordeal and romantic entanglements, hinder her character development and diminishes the authenticity of her portrayal.
The film also missed opportunities to delve deeper into the character of Karen, Laurie’s daughter, who possesses a complex relationship with her mother due to the omnipresence of Myers in their lives. This dynamic could have been explored further to provide additional substance to the narrative. Unfortunately, Halloween (2018) spreads itself too thin by failing to dedicate sufficient screen time to any of its characters, resulting in a diluted experience.
The Stale Scare Factor
When considering the film’s central antagonist, Michael Myers, it becomes evident that his once terrifying presence has lost its impact over time. While the character may have been intimidating when first introduced in 1978, the subsequent emergence of numerous horror movie villains has diminished his uniqueness. Halloween (2018) falls short in delivering truly spine-chilling moments. Despite the film’s eerie atmosphere and occasional tension, the scares play out in a pedestrian manner. Myers’ limited repertoire of stalking and jump-scare tactics lacks the ingenuity found in other horror icons like Freddy Krueger. Consequently, Halloween (2018) fails to leave a lasting impression in terms of sheer terror.
Awareness and Mediocrity
To its credit, the film displays hints of self-awareness regarding its reliance on jump scares and typical horror tropes. False scares and a child’s reaction to Myers in a closet add moments of levity and nod to the genre’s conventions. However, these instances do not compensate for the overall lack of memorable frights. With familiarity breeding predictability, the film struggles to surprise audiences already well-versed in horror film beats.
An Unfocused Disappointment
Despite my critical assessment of Halloween (2018), it is essential to acknowledge the film’s positive aspects. The return to a simpler horror movie style and the emphasis on a classic killer-victim dynamic prove to be strengths. Laurie’s character and her relationship with Karen provide moments of investment that sustain interest throughout the story. Furthermore, the film successfully maintains a chilling atmosphere consistent with the franchise’s roots. Nevertheless, it succumbs to the drawbacks of relying on worn-out horror movie tropes and becomes an unfocused and underwhelming installment.
Missed Opportunities for a Well-Written Sequel
Without the inclusion of gratuitous side characters, forced romantic subplots, and underdeveloped storylines, Halloween (2018) possessed the potential to deliver a commendable sequel. Regrettably, these tired clichés dilute the impact of the film and overshadow its merits. While the movie does not reach a level of utter mediocrity, it fails to fully captivate and engage audiences. Similar to biting into last year’s Halloween candy and discovering slightly stale treats, the film does not leave a lingering desire for more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Halloween (2018) struggles to find its footing amidst the burden of being part of a long-standing franchise. While it showcases promising elements, such as the exploration of Laurie’s trauma, the film ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and enthralling experience. Its unfocused approach and overreliance on tired horror tropes hinder its potential to be a standout sequel. Halloween (2018) may not be classified