Synopsis: After 45 years, the most acclaimed, revered horror franchise in film history reaches its epic, terrifying conclusion as Laurie Strode faces off for the last time against the embodiment of evil, Michael Myers, in a final confrontation unlike any captured on-screen before. Only one of them will survive.
It’s the end of an era. Perhaps the iconic masked embodiment of evil will finally be put to rest. This is also the last time that we’ll witness the OG final girl, Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode. The journey has been a long one even with much of it being retconned, nonetheless, those of us who have followed the entire journey are both saddened and excited to see it come to a Halloween-worthy close. Now, I’m not sure if this will be the last time we’ll hear the indelible and distinctive theme music in a new film, but it will forever bring delight to our ears. Halloween forever!
“If I can’t have her, no one will.”
There is only one way to defeat evil—brutally. Directed by David Gordon Green, Halloween Ends is a gruesome goodbye to iconic characters—or is it? This may in fact be the ending of a trilogy, but is it the end of Michael Myers? I’m not so sure. After this film, I’ve come to look at the appearance of “The Shape” the same way we look at the mask and appearance of Spider-Man, and that’s as clear as I’ll be. If you know, you know. This film is unlike its predecessors as far as story and tone go. While its opening sequence is reminiscent of the 1978 film that birthed all of the others, what follows is unique to this last chapter as it throws an extremely unexpected curveball into the mix. There is love and evil in the air and both Laurie and Allyson will feel the effects. I couldn’t help but have the line, “how to kill and get the girl” stuck in my head. More seriously, it begs a few questions, is there evil that lies dormant within us all just waiting to be triggered? Can the people around us push us into becoming something that we are not or is it a damned destiny? And you will ponder that all this while faces are smashed, shots are fired, and your favorite kitchen knife comes out to play.
“I don’t want to be in Haddonfield anymore.”
Halloween Ends is brutal in the best ways. Not only do we get to experience Michael Myers doing what he does best, but weirdly enough, almost all the kills were of people who were incredibly unlikeable. Therefore, you might catch yourself cheering a time or six. He also steps into an unexpected role in this film. I did enjoy the new twists that are presented and played out, however, it did take a while for them to be fleshed out and to get to the real action. The film flips a few classic tropes on their heads and decides not to be as pointed with its commentary as Halloween Ends. And once it the killing begins, it’s pure carnage-candy until the end with a climax that is oh-so-satisfying. Family bonds are put to the test, mental anguish is at the forefront, and love kills. And Laurie is just trying to write a book. You will chuckle a bit, and you’ll feel a smidge of joy, but ultimately, you’ll be covering your eyes from all the gory goodness (or you’ll be smiling like me). It’s the Final Girl Supreme versus the unstoppable masked mass murderer, it’s a showdown that you don’t want to miss. The foreshadowing cinematography is great, the score is always amazing, and the kills are creative. With just the right amount of exaggerated moments and horror cheese, you’re going to enjoy yourself. While it may have its issues, it gives us exactly what we want. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
While the film begins in an incredibly shocking and jaw-dropping fashion, the first act meanders around in a confusing and haphazard fashion as if it was bludgeoned by Myers himself. However, once a few bits of information fall into place and the air is rife with evil, the film is full go into murderous mayhem for the duration. What popped out to me was the kills. There is one in particular that involves a tongue that is unforgettable. It’s both funny and gross.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, James Jude Courtney, Will Patton, Rohan Campbell, Kyle Richard, Keraun Harris
While this is the perfect send-off for Jamie Lee Curtis‘ iconic role as Laurie Strode, which she continues to be fantastic at, it is Rohan Campbell that stole the show. Campbell’s descent into madness gave the story new life. And he plays well off everyone. I’m tripping, Jamie was perfect. Also, it was dope seeing Keraun Harris make an appearance and be in one of the craziest scenes.
Halloween Ends releases in theaters and begins streaming on Peacock on October 14, 2022. Stay safe and enjoy.
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director: David Gordon Green
Writers: Paul Brad Logan, Chris Bernier, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green
Producers: Malek Akkad, Jason Blum, Bill Block
Executive Producers: John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Ryan Freimann, Ryan Turek, Andrew Golov, Thom Zadra, Christopher H. Warner
Composers: John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, Daniel Davies
Halloween Ends is a gruesome goodbye to iconic characters—or is it?
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GVN Rating 7
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