The Popkorn Junkie :: Halloween Resurrection

Let me begin by stating that I am an enormous and devoted fan of the "Halloween" franchise. I think the first film is probably the most frightening horror film ever created, with the creepiest looking killer ever conjured. The second film in the series was also enjoyable, as was "Halloween: H-20". The others pretty much sucked. I had high hopes as I walked into the theatre to see "Halloween: Resurrection" because I had heard good things about it, and because it was following the same story line as the first two and films and H-20. I left the theatre only slightly disappointed.

The film centers around six youths who are paid good money by Busta Rhymes, the head honcho behind an internet series known as Dangertainment, to stay one night in the childhood home of the notorious serial killer Michael Myers. And, of course, Michael (who it is revealed was not really decapitated in H-20) decides to pay them a visit and murder them, one by one. The story is simple, as are all of the "Halloween" films, but the death scenes and creepy shots of Michael are always enjoyable and never tiring. Alongside Busta Rhymes are Thomas Ian Nicholas (yes, from "Rookie of the Year"), Tyra Banks (who really has no purpose in this film), Sean Patrick Thomas (the token black guy, i.e. "Not Another Teen Movie"), and Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode in the flesh). Most adolescents will recognize the young cast, and the older fans will appreciate Jamie Lee showing up for the latest addition in the series.

I enjoyed most of the death scenes. Michael Myers always comes up with crafty, yet brutal ways to dispose of his victims, and his slow and methodical movements are scarier than any pile of blood in the floor or any hot looking "Rookie of the Year" hanging upside down from a ladder. What makes "Halloween" so horrifying is the character of Michael Myers--the look, the movements, the slow head turn, and the ability to take in ungodly amounts of mistreatment, only to give us a WWF Undertaker rise, followed by a kitchen knife to the chest.

I was, however, disappointed with a couple of things. Busta Rhymes' character was slightly annoying. The whole thing about him being a kung fu fan was acceptable, but when he starts screaming and doing roundkicks, it became a little too much for me to handle. And, there is a horrible scene involving a chainsaw which caused me to close my eyes--not from fright, but from absurdity. However, those trivial details were not enough to keep me from thoroughly enjoying this film. I won't give anything away, but the first fifteen minutes are incredibly well done and overdue for the series.

So, even though it's not Halloween, July offers its share of thrills with "Halloween: Resurrection", which promises to not be the last in the series. A good popkorn flick, and one hell of a fitting addition to the series, this one was well worth the price of the ticket and well worth the ninety minutes I spent in a sold out theatre. It didn't really scare me, but Michael Myers succeeded in creeping me out once more. And to think--the mask was a mold of William Shatner's face. Frightening. Just frightening.

-- Billy Ray ( 3 out of 4 pops )

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Other Junkie's opinions.....

Matt ( 3 out of 4 pops )

If you're expecting another lame sequel, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Not to say this is a perfect horror flick. There are certain moments where you just wanna scream, "How stupid can these people be???" But altogether, the movie never gets too cheesy and never takes itself too seriously either. There are a few good scares. Even after numerous sequels, Michael Myers is still creepy as hell, and so is the John Carpenter theme song. There are some really cool gross-out f/x. And what's a horror movie without a lil' bit of female nudity? Exactly. If you're expecting a "great" slasher flick, then you will be disappointed. Personally, after crappy films like "Urban Legend" and "Valentine," I'd be satisfied with a halfway decent slasher flick. I know the general public will probably overlook "Halloween: Resurrection," but I had lots of fun. Die-hard "Halloween" fans will definitely be satisfied.