Item: Halloween Ends
Rating: 7
Author: JimmyO

Last Updated on October 14, 2022

PLOT: Four years after the tragedy that took place in Halloween Kills, Laurie Strode is finally ready to move on. Yet Michael Myers legacy isn’t ready to let her go just yet.

REVIEW: In 1978, moviegoers discovered one of the most iconic figures in horror, his name was Michael Myers. Halloween, the John Carpenter-directed classic, became synonymous with the holiday. It launched the career of the film’s star, Jamie Lee Curtis. Now, we are finally coming to the end. David Gordon Green has offered up his take on Haddonfield with Halloween (2018), the divisive Halloween Kills, and finally, Halloween Ends. It certainly appears to be the final film in the franchise. Yet any self-respecting horror fan knows that means evil never truly dies for the inevitable reboot/remake. However, it is likely the final film for Ms. Curtis. And she gives us one last showdown with the man behind the mask.

It’s been four years since the tragic events that occurred in Halloween Kills. Yet, it has brought new life for Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). The dreaded Boogeyman has seemingly disappeared after the previous massacre. While it still haunts the town, Haddonfield has found a moment of peace. That is until something horrific occurs, something that affects a young man by the name of Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell). Having a controversial past of her own, Laurie befriends Corey and introduces him to her granddaughter, Alyson (Andi Matichak). But we all know, pure evil doesn’t stay dormant for long. And past horrors may be coming back to terrorize Laurie, Alyson, and those who finally thought the nightmare was over.

I am a Halloween fan. My favorite is the original masterpiece. That said, I have an affinity for every film in the series, however the quality may be. And now we have Halloween Ends, and maybe the best thing I can say about it is that it’s the first time that I wasn’t fully aware of where the story was going well into its runtime. And yes, this is a compliment. Ends is not as scary as some of the previous films in the series. One issue that may frustrate fans is the lack of a central villain for half the movie. Michael, once again played by Nick Castle and James Jude Courtney, is menacing, yet it’s not quite what we are used to seeing in the previous installments. To delve too much into this might lead to spoilers, and I’d recommend avoiding them at every turn.

Another plus is seeing a side of Laurie Strode we’ve not seen since Carpenter’s introduction. While struggling with the past, it appears she has a little happiness and calm in her life. Jamie Lee Curtis has the chance to show more range than in the previous sequels. We see Laurie as someone finally coming to terms with the nightmare that has possessed her for nearly her entire life. Curtis has always been fantastic in the role. Yet it was nice to see the amount of layers they attempted to bring her. The ultimate showdown promised is a thrilling, if somewhat subdued, end. As well, it’s satisfying to witness Laurie’s interaction with Will Patton’s Officer Hawkins, Kyle Richards’ Lindsey Wallace, and especially Alyson and Corey.

Without delving too much into the character, I must praise Rohan Campbell. The actor gives a stellar performance. Campbell brings an impressive amount of vulnerability and intensity to Corey, and it’s an intriguing addition to the story. The same is true for Andi Matichak. Playing Laurie’s granddaughter for the third time has created a viable bond between Curtis and Matichak. It’s easy to find sympathy and understanding towards the characters. Bringing Corey into the mix, you have new ground that hasn’t been explored in this series before. Am I being vague? Hell, yes, I am. It would be much too easy to give certain aspects of this film away.

David Gordon Green took a chance with this trilogy. Each of the three films explores a different level in how they brought back Myers and the kinds of emotional baggage that is left behind with trauma and fear. If you’ve been frustrated with Green’s previous takes, you’ll probably have a few issues with Ends. The final film in his trilogy is a far more grounded, while at times incredibly gory, take on the Boogeyman of Haddonfield. It is also quite an ambitious slasher sequel. One that features a body count, but aspires to be something more, and for that, I was grateful.

Halloween Ends will be divisive for many. And the third film in Green’s trilogy is doubtful to earn massive critical praise – really not shocking for a horror franchise like this. What it is, however, is a unique and unsettling way to explore a familiar story. Much like many recent, long-awaited sequels, Ends manages to explore the original film in a mostly engaging way. While it may not be perfect, it’s an unexpected take, and one still knocking about in my noggin. And the score by John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies brings back the energy of the original as well. As much as Strode was an essential part of the previous two films, her final film in the series offers her the chance to bring something fresh to Laurie. And for this particular fan, it was a satisfying departure from what we’ve previously seen.

Halloween Ends arrives in theatres this Friday, and you can also check it out streaming on Peacock. Happy Halloween, and remember to check the closet for the Boogeyman tonight.