Halloween II (1981) Dir: Rick Rosenthal
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A while ago, I watched the iconic original film in this franchise, and enjoyed it quite a bit. However, I had to wait some time before I could return to this popular horror stalwart, with this 1981 sequel from director Rick Rosenthal, and both written and produced by John Carpenter.
The film utilised the classic pov shot really well, and, while it did look a little cheesy, it was still pretty effective. I wouldn't say the film had brilliant cinematography, but it did the basics decently. I think the hospital setting worked nicely, particularly for the more intense moments.
The film's narrative was very basic, but it served its purpose fine enough - that being to unleash Michael Myers on even more helpless victims. It was a little repetitive, and there wasn't a whole lot in the way of substance, but for a standard horror, it did its job. Some of the suspense was legitimately very good, especially in the final third of the film.
Jamie Lee Curtis was alright, but her character didn't have much to do beyond screaming, running and hiding, which was a shame. I'd like to have seen her more active than she ended up being, although, she was at least good at the things she had to do.
Donald Pleasence plays one of the most useless characters in cinema, it feels like - his character never does the right thing and is always so melodramatic about it. In fairness, Pleasance is very good at being those things, so I have to give him some credit for his acting.
Dick Warlock played Michael Myers in this sequel, and, for what it's worth, he was, unsurprisingly, pretty adept at walking slowly and occasionally turning his head - which is near enough the Myers job description. Aside from him, I thought that the likes of Charles Cyphers, Jeffrey Kramer, Lance Guest and Pamela Susan Shoop, all deserved at least a mention for their various roles.
Overall, this was a fine sequel, but it didn't blow me away. It doesn't really do anything except continue on from the end of the first film. I liked the suspense it built, but it did still feel a little uninspired. I know these films aren't exactly considered 'Oscar' winners, but still, I was hoping for a little more than essentially an extended chase scene.
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