John Carpenter set a standard for the slasher genre back in 1978 with his original HALLOWEEN, where we were introduced to both Michael Myers and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) in a killer/victim relationship that's kept them inextricably linked ever since. After eleven follow ups, two of which comprised a rebooted version of the franchise from Rob Zombie and one of which (HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH) was devoid of anything to do with Carpenter's version, the series seemd to have run out of gas. Enter David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, who concocted a new tale for both Strode and Myers that would ignore everything that came after John Carpenter's original, freeing it from having to abide by any of the (often ridiculous) events that have transpired since. With Carpenter's blessing (and a new score supplied by him and his sons), Green and McBride have made what is being sold as the "true" sequel to the original and one that honors the style and tone created by it thirty years ago.
Chris Bumbray saw the movie at TIFF and had a great time with it, albeit with a few niggles that stopped it from being a masterpiece, saying in his 8/10 review, "…this is a lean, mean, old-school slasher that will delight longtime fans and win new ones once it hits theatres in October." JimmyO gave his take as well and seemed to enjoy it just a bit more, praising it highly in his 9/10 review, saying it's "the best sequel in the franchise as well as a terrific film on its own." That's some high praise, but pretty in line with what most critics are feeling about Michael Myers' return.
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And with that, now it's your turn! We want to hear what YOU thought of the film! Naturally, we'd prefer you to comment only if you've seen the film as that's the point here, but do what feels good. Just don't get mad if you get trounced for trolling or posting blatant spoilers in headlines. Healthy debate, genuine thoughts, and respectful interactions is all we ask. Is this the sequel we've been waiting 30 years for or more of the same from The Shape?
Rotten Tomatoes: 67 reviews, certified fresh: 82%