3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s almost four years to the day that I first attended a movie premiere on behalf of Reel Dialogue. Then I had the pleasure of writing a formal movie review, the film was Halloween (2018) which went on to spawned a new trilogy to follow on from the original Halloween (1978) from 40 years earlier. It is with great pleasure then, and perhaps very fitting, that I saw the final instalment in the modern Halloween trilogy and get to round out the trilogy. While I will admit that this screening was not as memorable since Jamie Lee Curtis did not attend this movie premiere, but you can't have everything.
This chapter opens on Halloween night in 2019, one year since the Halloween and Halloween Kills events. These storyline's centre on Michael Meyers, who has revisited the township of Haddonfield, Illinois, after escaping prison and embarking on yet another murderous killing spree. He then disappears and has not been seen or heard from since, but the ghost of his presence still looms large amongst the residents. They are unsure if that is the final time they will see the tenacious killer and are fearful of when he will return. We are introduced to Corey (Rohan Campbell), about to finish high school with a bright future. On this night, she is babysitting, which leads to a tragic turn of events that will change the high schooler's life forever.
We jump forward three years to the present day, seeing that Corey is now a social outcast. Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) is currently living in town again with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) and writing her memoirs. They are both trying to live a normal life again after the grief, loss, and trauma from the events of four years ago. Their lives intersect with Corey when Allyson starts a romantic relationship with him. The couple dreams of a life together away from Haddonfield and the bad memories attributed to Halloween and Michael’s rampages. Interestingly, this narrative may lead many to think that this is not much of a horror film as the first half unfolds. Especially as most of the story is more of a glimpse into the lives and personal issues of most of the characters involved.
However, things turn out for the worst when high school bullies attack Corey, and Michael finally makes his screen appearance. From here on, things escalate quickly, and the body toll soon begins to mount. As expected for any horror film, there is plenty of graphic violence, blood, and gore. In this chapter, there are some imaginative ways to die for some unfortunate victims, which may even invoke some unintended laughs from the audience. The dramatic and climactic final scene sees Laurie facing off against Michael as the long-standing enemies embrace the meaning of the film's title. Their battle would prove to be the final encounter between these ageing horror warriors which began over 40 years ago and is one of the classic horror pairings in film history. A conclusion that should satisfy fans of the recent Halloween trilogy or the original film, while bringing closure to one of the longest-running horror franchises in history.
REEL DIALOGUE: (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Blue Oyster Cult’s hit song from 1976 ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ closes out the film as the final credits roll. The song itself conveys the message that there is no need to fear death's inevitability. Instead, we can embrace love and the joy it brings in our lives for the short time we are here on this earth.
Within the Halloween films, the character of Michael Meyers has effectively become the Grim Reaper of Death. His very existence is enough to cast fear into the hearts of all the residents of Haddonfield, fearful of when he will make his next appearance. The town has already witnessed what happens when you try to stop Michael's immovable force and they are not prepared to see what eventuates, as seen in Halloween Kills. Laurie Strode, who started as a victim initially, became a saviour for her family and the the township when she resolved to prepare for a final showdown with Michael. Her goal was to end the fear and evil he represented and prepare herself for over 40 years.
In the realities of this life, Christians take comfort in death's defeat. Also, everlasting life is possible thanks to Jesus dying on the cross and there is nothing more to fear on this earth or for eternity.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
