Title: Halloween
Starring: Daeg Faerch, Danielle Harris, Malcolm McDowell, Danny Trejo, Sheri Moon
Directed By: Rob Zombie
Produced By: John Carpenter, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein
Genre: Suspense/Horror, Remake and Sequel
Release Date: August 31st 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong brutal bloody violence and terror throughout, sexual content, graphic nudity and language.
Distributors: MGM Distribution Company

Ten year-old Michael Myers has a bad childhood and kills his family. Fifteen years later, he escapes from the mental institution where he has been held and goes on a killing spree. If you don't know the plot, where have you been since 1978?

Many people feel that remakes are unnecessary. Especially a classic horror film like Halloween. But, if it's going to be done, who better than horror aficionado, musician and director Rob Zombie? Probably best known as ex-frontman of the band White Zombie as well as a solo career, Rob Zombie came onto the movie scene with House of 1000 Corpses and the follow up The Devil's Rejects. With Halloween he hones his directorial skills by taking the best elements of 70's, 80's and todays horror films and combining them in a way that pays homage without ruining a classic, I hope. I say I hope because I may be one of the few people who has never seen the original Halloween (gasp!). Yes it's true, I was more into Freddy and Jason as a teen. Is this a bad thing? Depends on how you look at it. Sometimes a fresh perspective is needed instead of a comparison between new and old.

As imposing a figure that Tyler Mane is, I don't think it was quite necessary to have such a large man play Michael Myers, especially when you have such a small kid playing him at ten years old. Speaking of the boy, Daeg Faerch, is one creepy little kid. You kinda feel sorry for him until he turns psychopathic. I found myself thinking that making the movie had to be at least a little traumatizing for the boy with some of the things he had to do. Malcolm McDowell is by far the best actor in the film. You actually get to see some of the effort that Loomis expended on trying to rehabilitate Michael. There are quite a few cameos including Zombie's usual suspects Sherri Moon Zombie, Bill Moseley and Sid Haig. There are quite a few horror icons as well though. Some of who are Udo Kier, Clint Howard, Dee Wallace and many more. Hell, even Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees puts in an appearance. I saved Scout Taylor-Compton for last because of a split decision. On one hand she is a good actress and plays the part well, when she is acting with adults or dealing with Michael. It's when she has to interact with the other teens or the children that things seem forced. The scenes of the three friends seemed almost like a caricature or stereotype of how teens act. I am not sure if it is her fault or the other actresses, but there you go.

As a non- Halloween fan, I can honestly say that I enjoyed most of Rob Zombie's vision. Some bad/overacting on the teenagers part was the only thing that got to me. So, this is one you will either love it or leave it no matter what any reviewer/critic says due to the fact that the original Halloween is a much loved classic.

I can't believe I didn't mention the soundtrack! All I can say is that Rob Zombie is a master at picking perfect songs for his films. The Devil's Rejects and Halloween have got to have the best classic rock soundtracks that have been released in a while.

Till we finally get Freddy VS. Jason VS. Ash VS. Michael Myers VS. Barney,
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Mitch E.
mitch@comicbookbin.com