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In this episode of the Halloween Rewatch, Cory and Nathan need to mind their children or harm will come their way as they rewatch the all-time classic “Halloween”. We’ll be rewatching the entire series on the lead up to the release of this years sequel, and in celebration of a 40 year franchise!
John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978):
In 1963, on Halloween night in the Midwestern United States town of Haddonfield, Illinois, Michael Myers, dressed in a clown costume and mask, inexplicably stabs his older sister Judith to death with a kitchen knife in their home. He is subsequently hospitalized at Warren County’s Smith’s Grove Sanitarium. Fifteen years later, on October 30, 1978, Michael’s child psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, and his colleague, Marion Chambers, arrive at Smith’s Grove Sanitarium to take Michael to court. Michael escapes from the sanitarium, stealing Loomis’ car. Returning home to Haddonfield, Michael kills a mechanic for his uniform and steals a white mask, a couple of knives, and some rope from a local store.
The next day, on Halloween, Michael stalks high school student Laurie Strode after she and Tommy Doyle drop off a key at his former house, so her father can sell it. Throughout the day, Laurie notices Michael following her, but her friends Annie Brackett and Lynda Van der Klok dismiss her concerns. Loomis arrives in Haddonfield in search of Michael, knowing his intentions. After discovering that Judith Myers’ headstone has been stolen from the local cemetery, Loomis meets with Annie’s father, Sheriff Leigh Brackett. The two begin their search at Michael’s house, where Loomis tries to warn the skeptical sheriff about the danger Michael poses, explaining that Michael is pure evil and capable of further violence, despite years of catatonia. Sheriff Brackett patrols the streets while Loomis waits and watches the house, expecting Michael to return there.
Later that night, Laurie goes over to babysit Tommy, while Annie babysits Lindsey Wallace just across the street, unaware that Michael is watching them. When Annie’s boyfriend, Paul, calls her to come and pick him up, she takes Lindsey over to the Doyle house to spend the night with Laurie and Tommy. Annie is just about to leave in her car when Michael, who stowed away in the back seat, strangles her before slitting her throat, killing her.
Soon after, Lynda and her boyfriend Bob Simms arrive at the Wallace house. After having sex, Bob goes downstairs to get a beer for Lynda, but Michael stabs him with a knife which pins him to the wall, killing him. Michael then poses as Bob in a ghost costume and confronts Lynda, who teases him, having no effect. Lynda calls Laurie; just as Laurie picks up, Michael strangles Lynda to death with the telephone cord. Meanwhile, Loomis discovers the stolen car and begins combing the streets.
A suspicious Laurie goes over to the Wallace house. There, she finds the corpses of Annie, Bob, and Lynda in an upstairs bedroom, as well as Judith Myers’ headstone.[11] Horrified, Laurie cowers in the hallway, when Michael suddenly appears and attacks her, slashing her arm. Barely escaping, Laurie races back to the Doyle house. Michael gets in and attacks her again, but Laurie manages to fend him off long enough for Tommy and Lindsey to escape. Loomis sees the two children fleeing the house, and goes to investigate, finding Michael and Laurie fighting upstairs. Loomis shoots Michael six times, knocking him off the balcony; when Loomis goes to check Michael’s body, he finds it missing. Unsurprised, Loomis stares off into the night. Places where Michael had previously been are shown as his breathing is heard, indicating he could be anywhere, and the last view is of the Myers house.
Summary:
This film is a 10/10! It’s an awesome thriller and horror. There’s a reason this film is an all time classic, and it’s still as affecting as it was 40 years ago. Perfectly paced, wonderfully suspenseful, you couldn’t ask for more. John Carpenter and his creative team made the most with their minimal budget, and every last shred of money and skill is displayed on screen. Strongest of recommends.
What’s Up Next?:
We’re not only rewatching Halloween movies over the next few months, we’re also rewatching Jamie Lee Curtis’ horror (and thriller) efforts. Next episode, we are continuing on with John Carpenter as well, as we discuss “John Carpenter’s The Fog.”
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