Halloween II (DVD)

Almost a year has passed since Michael Myers hacked his way through Haddonfield, and Laurie Strode (Taylor-Compton) is struggling to move on. Plagued by horrific nightmares and a disturbing psychic connection with her psychotic sibling, Laurie’s state of mind only worsens as the first anniversary of that dreadful night approaches. 

Rob Zombie’s first take on the Halloween franchise back in 2007 proved far from popular with critics, even if held its own at the box office. Zombie’s fascination with the Myers character and exploring his origins seemed a promising new strand to add to the story, but ultimately proved an over-egged distraction.

Halloween 2 thankfully does away with the flashback material for the most part, but we’re still not completely shot of pre-pubescent Michael, and Sheri Moon Zombie once again returns as Myers’ matriarch Deborah. This time round we’re dealt a differently dressed reminder of Michael’s beginnings; as a ghostly Deborah and boyish Michael appear sporadically to coax his adult self back to his murderous ways. It’s an interesting enough idea and one that might have actually worked if Zombie had only scaled back. He’s certainly not one for subtlety and we’re constantly subjected to Sheri Moon Zombie’s hammy acting, some downright embarrassing dialogue and several jarring sequences that seem more at home in the music video genre.

It’s a shame Zombie hasn’t learnt from his past mistakes because Halloween 2 could have been a pretty decent slasher film. Most of the original’s surprisingly good cast return, with Taylor-Compton turning in a solid performance as Laurie. Danielle Harris and Brad Dourif both make welcome returns as the Brackett family and a rabble of new faces/fodder serve their purpose. Malcolm McDowell also returns as Dr. Loomis and while he plays the role perfectly, you can’t help but think his character seems tacked onto the film for the sake of it. In general, his return seems pointless; Dr. Loomis doing the press circuit to promote his new book based upon Myers and his murders. It all seems pretty dispensable, rarely contributing to the main plot and would have been more at home on the cutting room floor.

To the film’s credit, it’s certainly a lot more focused than its predecessor. Things move along more smoothly, the murder sequences are all well plotted and paced and save for the odd misjudged detour into music video territory, Zombie does a solid job with the direction. However, he’s failed to take any pointers based upon his last dabbling with the franchise. Michael Myers is at his best as the silent, stalking maniac; not misunderstood mommy’s boy. Zombie gives spotlight to both shades of the character, but unfortunately far more screen time to the latter.

Overall Verdict: Admittedly leaner and more focused than the 2007 film; Halloween 2 still inherits many of its predecessor’s problems. Zombie’s reinvention of the franchise only serves the case against remakes.

Special Features:
Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
Music Videos

Reviewer: David Steele