Review of Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) by Laurence C — 13 Jan 2010

A decent, if almost desperately by-the-numbers, attempt at pimping out a franchise composed of rotten follow-ups to a masterful original. Like most 90s slasher, it's very knowing and ironic (thank you, Scream), therefore its attempts at being ''clever'' are mostly clunky horror film references and in-jokes-- but still, H20 has more than just a few redeeming qualities as a film of the genre. Jamie Lee Curtis' presence and strong central performance elevate the project beyond the usual slasher flick; the parts that focus on her trauma before Michael Myers even shows up are very good, even if they count as pure first-act padding. The subplot following the teens, lead by Josh Hartnett, less so. Once the boogeyman starts slicing and dicing, though, the tension operates, leading up to a great Laurie vs. Michael climax that is absolutely the best moment in the Halloween franchise since the end of the original installment. The conclusion, unambiguous and sharp, is also a joy to watch-- I can't picture anyone not cheering a little bit once it arrives.

...and then, enter Halloween : Resurrection, one of the lamest horror flicks ever directed, to piss all over this terrific wrap-up. God, I hate slasher films, sometimes.