Review of Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) by Eric D — 19 Jun 2008

He just doesn't seem to want to die, does he? After a disappointing third act, the quality picks up slightly with the fourth installment in the Halloween series. Jamie Lloyd (again, played quite well by Danielle Harris) is now a permanent resident at a childrens' hospital and now has a telepathic link with her psychotic uncle. You would think that this would help lower the bodycount, but no, it doesn't. Because, of course, who listens to kids? (Or animals, for that matter?).

While I did say that the quality of the film is somewhat better than the previous installment, it's certainly rife with its own cons. Loomis is even further 'round the bend as his obssession with Michael Myers, now in full-swing, makes his character even LESS likable. There's an attempt (a PAINFUL attempt) at comic relief with the addition of two bumbling police deputies (complete with absolutely mortifying circus-styled sound effects). Don't worry though, they are killed eventually (and the crowd goes wild). There is also a subplot that is so bewildering that it's almost maddening (and I can't imagine what it must have been like before the sixth Halloween where it's finally explained) wherein a mysterious man in black is seen (well... his feet and his back are) around town, following after Myers' carnage.

On a personal note, this is the movie that actually got me to rather like Michael Myers as a character. This is for two reasons. First, he kills a particularly annoying boyfriend character using the boyfriend's most dislikable character traits against him. Second, there is a brief show of emotion and humanity near the climax of the film. For these reasons alone, the movie (to me) is better than the previous installment and worth a watch.