This week, the 11thfilm in the HALLOWEEN series that started in 1978 arrives in theatres, bringing back the lurking slashing horror icon Michael Meyers and his lifelong prey, Laurie Strodes. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s biggest horror film.
What is this about? –This may be the 11thfilm in the franchise, but as far as the filmmakers are concerned, this new HALLOWEEN is only the second. It is serving as a direct sequel to the original HALLOWEEN from 1978, and is ignoring all of the other sequels and the 2007 reboot. Taking place 40 years after the events of that original film, Laurie has been preparing all her life for Michael’s return to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he looks to finish his killing spree.
Who is in this? – Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie. This is the first time she has played the character since HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION in 2002. Nick Castle, who played the hulking Michael Meyers in 1978, reprises the role in a few scenes but shares it with stuntman James Jude Courtney. The rest of the cast is rounded out with Judy Greer, playing Laurie’s daughter, along with Will Patton, and Andi Matichak…playing Laurie’s granddaughter.
Who is behind this? –The film is directed by David Gordon Green, who has directed dramas such as ALL THE REAL GIRLS (2003), and SNOW ANGELS (2007). Recently he has been spending time in the comedy genre, helming knee-slappers PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008), and YOUR HIGHNESS (2011). John Carpenter, who directed the original film, serves as an executive producer.
Random Facts – This is Jamie Lee Curtis’ fifth time playing Laurie * John Carpenter, who composed the chilling and iconic score for the original film, provides the score once again * Actor Danny McBride co-wrote the script with David Gordon Green * This will be the fifth timeline in the series. The current timelines are 1 and 2, 4-6, Rob Zombie’s two films, RESURRECTION, HALLOWEEN III which is its own timeline, and this new film (don’t feel bad if confused; this Blogger doesn’t understand it either) * The release date coincides with the 40thanniversary of the first film * At 70 years old, Nick Castle is the oldest actor to play Michael Meyers, and the third to play him more than once * The film’s release date of October 19this the day Michael Meyers was born * This is the third film in the series to simply be titled HALLOWEEN, after the 1978 film and Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake *
What to expect? – HALLOWEEN has been just like any other horror franchise; one great movie to start with and then a rash of lousy and pointless sequels. The continuity through the films has been a mess for years, and the intention of this new film is to correct that by obliterating it. At the very least, the film earns positive points for that. We can certainly expect much of the same from the other films; a big lug with a knife slashing people on his way to the girl. But the minor twist here is that this time the girl is prepared; ready and waiting to fight that big lug with her own weapons. It’s an interesting twist on a tired franchise, and should give horror fans some new meat to chew on. John Carpenter’s original film was more about atmosphere than actual plot, and that made the simple scares all the more scary. Hopefully this new HALLOWEEN remembers that.
*
HALLOWEEN creeps into theatres on October 19th.
No comments:
Post a Comment
A few rules:
1. Personal attacks not tolerated.
2. Haters welcome, if you can justify it.
3. Swearing is goddamn OK.