Review of Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) by Vince F — 29 Jun 2008

I grew up with the earlier Halloween's (4&5 especially) so I have soft spot in my heart for these flicks, enough to give them repeated viewings yearly.

Halloween 5 is somewhat underrated, and misunderstood. It suffers from plot holes and some obnoxious acting, but 4 suffered from those as well and yet I see people praising that one way more. There about even. I actually think this one is somewhat more entertaining. It's rather eccentric.

Good continuity, they filmed the whole thing in the same town and used basically a lot of the same sets and exteriors from 4 and all of the same actors reprise their roles . I always liked that aspect.

The direction and overall tone of the movie is moody and depressing even (poor Jamie!). I liked how no one really gets what they want, and Jamie loses everything she cares for and about. I knew the new aspects are kitschy, but I dug them, and they were intriguing, especially the man in black. I could have lived without Jamie being Mute and having a psychic link, as it had to many plot holes and eventually went nowhere.

I liked how the certain characters who survived 4 died in this one, it somewhat ups the stakes for me when stuff like that happens. When a character I grow attached to from a previous sequel is killed, I get more involved for some reason, I appreciate it when it happens. Pretty ballsy. Alien 3 (among many others) also did this quite well.

The characters were really bad though, with wooden or over the top actors. I hated the teens, especially the male teens.The laundry chute scene was really good and I LOVED the ending. Sorry, but I did. Some scenes in here are also so bad their funny. Why can't anyone EVER spot Micheal walking in broad daylight? The movie has many "wtf" moments.

The kills were old fashioned, but still decent for slasher standards. I liked them more then 4's.

Every time I watch 4, I feel compelled to watch this one. I hope people can see that as a compliment.