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Halloween Resurrection /

Rated: R

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Busta Rhymes, Tyra Banks, Bianca Kajlich, Sean Patrick Thomas 

Directed by: Rick Rosenthal 

Produced by: Paul Freeman, Malek Akkad, Michael Leahy 

Written by: Larry Brand, Sean Hood 

Distributor: Dimension Films

 

Movie Image
Movie Image
Movie Image

     I am one to fall for cheap scares, how stupid or unrealistic they may be. While this fact does not apply to the recent overbearing Jason X, it does with Halloween: Resurrection. This is the eighth installment in the “Halloween” series, and the spooky, but artificial scares never seem to tire. The wrath of Michael Myers keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, and the dark plot of the eighth film highlights this. This is one series that has never lost its wit, because the flicks never go overboard. While the original Halloween is much more skillfully made than Resurrection; the latest effort the ability to scare anyone in the presence of a dark theatre.

     It opens up to a short prequel, to explain how the villainous Michael Myers, star of the “Halloween” films came to be the evil man that he is. If you are, in fact, a virgin to the series, Myers is basically an infallible criminal behind a mask. He is feared by everyone on the planet, and has never officially been captured by police. In this installment, a couple of TV reality executives recruit six teenagers to stay in Myers’ childhood home. They will be broadcasted over the internet, in real time. As the night unravels, Myers sneaks into the house, and begins a killing spree. Who, if any, will be able to escape?

     The film editing, done by Robert A. Ferretti, is creepy and haunting. It is done in the style of Fear dot com, and has the rare ability to make a bad movie good. I particularly enjoyed the way that the several shots from the teenager’s handheld cameras were cut. It is a frightening and chaotic method that has the ability to make any viewer scared, no matter what the material. Many would deny, because of the films nature, that it has a sense of style; but it does. This might not be the most noticeable aspect in the film, but if you look hard enough; it is most definitely there. This is not a masterful work, but rather a hauntingly entertaining one.

     The direction, by Rick Rosenthal, is nothing to rave about. It is a colorful affair, and the methods that he uses are skillful; but the end result is mediocre. This is because he takes advantage of his power. A director is expected to shape a films character, no matter what the material may be. Rosenthal abuses this by overdoing several scenes, and not cooperating with the screenplay. At times he tries to make things that aren’t supposed to be, scary. On rare occasion, this is to the benefit of the film; but most of the time, it turns terrifying material into comedy. Halloween: Resurrection doesn’t quite go overboard, but it comes pretty close; and would be better off if it were to take things less seriously.

     With all said and done, I enjoyed Halloween: Resurrection, and even was scared at times. This is a franchise, similar to “James Bond,” that will never die. Every now and then, a movie will slip through the cracks, but overall; we smile at the results. They are corny, stupid, and showcase mediocre talent; but somehow fun. It is necessary to watch this material with an open mind, because without one, it will be a frustrating and lackluster affair. I can’t say, by any means, that Halloween Resurrection is masterful, or creative, but it’s an engaging experience that’s well worth a rental. Without this type of movie, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy cinema itself. My recommendation is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cheap thrills.

-Danny, Bucket Reviews

 


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