Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: Ten years after the night HE came home, Michael Myers is back to his usual trick-or-treating--now hunting his young niece.
Review: As I've said before, this is the second best entry in the franchise and the only legitimately good sequel altogether. While I do like other entries to a degree, I tend to just watch this and the original film most Halloweens. What makes this entry work is that it is the rare installment that introduces likable characters while still remaining true to the previous installments. This series is loaded with alternate realities due to writers backing themselves into corners. However, part 4 took a practical approach and tried to move the series in a new direction without destroying everything the way part 3 attempted. Sure, "Halloween 4" isn't perfect, but it's entertaining and does so many things right that no other sequel was able to accomplish.
Right out the gate, part 4 differentiates itself from the pack by dropping the main theme for the opening and opting for moody and ominous ambient music. Coupled with a montage of mid-west, quaint decorations cast against a Fall sunset creates this unsettling tone. This is how Halloween should feel with a harvest-inspired design. Of all the entries, part 4 has the most beautiful use of cinematography and sense of classic Halloween motifs. There was almost an apocalyptic feeling to the production especially when highlighting Michael being truly an embodiment of evil and that weird priest Loomis runs across. Speaking of which, man, oh man, would that have been a cool character crossover had they succeeded with the anthology concept of part 3. One can dream I suppose.
Wish I could include all the shots, but it's best to just watch the movie and see for yourself.
Besides looking great from a technical standpoint, the story does it's job too. Unfortunately, you have to suspend your disbelief early on with the initial premise of Michael and Loomis magically alive after being blown up in part 2. Likewise, Michael appears to have regrown his eyes which is somewhat laughable. However, if you can get past this scenario, the story picks up in a big way with Michael waiting patiently once again for ten years until springing to life from a coma to go after his niece, Laurie's daughter. It's implied that Laurie died, but they do at least acknowledge her presence and importance. To compensate, Loomis takes a bigger role as he once again hunts down Michael. I also like this particular depiction of Loomis with him borderline psychotic after years of obsessing over Michael. Loomis is a hero but one who would do just about anything to see Michael dead which makes him a wildcard as well.
Complementing Loomis is not your usual, final girl archetype, but, instead, Jamie, Michael's young niece. Of course--as I've mentioned tons of times--Jamie is played by Danielle Harris who was my childhood crush growing up. So Jamie always has a special place in my heart, and I still try to watch and review all of Ms. Harris' movies. Needless to say, she is great in the role as this tormented kid dealing with being adopted, her parents being dead, and Michael trying to kill her. This dynamic is enhanced with an action-oriented pursuit by Michael while still keeping Mikey in the shadows.
They do include a mild plot line about Jamie and Michael being psychically connected, but it builds toward a beautiful finale that nearly rivals the iconic nature of the original. And, without a doubt, part 4's ending is the second best in the franchise with the realization that Jamie has taken on the mantle as the killer. This is definitely not an ending you see coming and opened up endless possibilities to take this series. Sadly, the filmmakers fuck up royally, but it doesn't take away from how awesome the ending was. Furthermore, I'd argue Michael was never actually trying to kill Jamie in the movie especially given the twist.
Despite all the praise I'd give to part 4, I can't ignore plenty of glaring flaws and stupid ideas. As mentioned, the miraculous resurrection of Michael and Loomis is ridiculous. Beyond that, the fact that Michael would be transferred to a different hospital on October 30th is super contrived. Then we have the fact that Michael not only finds a mask similar to his original, but Loomis somehow knows to look for him in that form rather than, say, donning a Jason mask with Ninja Turtle smock. Let's not forget the rednecks were lame as hell too. Individually these aren't deal breakers, but, when compounded, they drag down the final impression.
Overall, part 4 is objectively one of the best installments in the series and my second favorite--a film that successfully invokes the true spirit of Halloween. As such, the cinematography is first-rate and captures an eerie tone the sequels would never again retain. On top of that, the story is engaging with likable characters and gives Loomis another chance to shine. My favorite is Danielle Harris since she brings conviction to her role and serves as an atypical protagonist. The movie certainly has its shortcomings, but they can be overlooked by the fun ride you're taken on and the satisfying ending that leaves a big impact. If you're the type of moviegoer who only ever watched the original or intermittent sequels, I'd highly recommend focusing on this entry. Everything went downhill after this anyhow.
Notable Moment: The final twist, of course. Not only does this scene hearken back to part 1, but it has a subtle buildup all along with Jamie seeing herself as Michael.
Final Rating: 7.5/10
2 comments:
The survival of Loomis and Myers after Part 2 is not as farfetched as some would have you believe. I've heard that some guys survived Pearl Harbor in similar fashion....the initial impact or shock wave of the explosion knocked them clear of the worst of the actual flames, and in so doing saved their lives. I wouldn't want to have to COUNT on such luck, of course, but it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility, either.
The only problem is that Loomis was in a confined space during the explosion. Even if he were miraculously unharmed by the explosion, he would have suffocated without a doubt as we see the room burning and Michael lumbering out the only exit.
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