Review of Halloween II (2009) by Shaun T — 21 Sep 2014

It amazes me how such a simple concept can continue to provide some of the scariest moments in film. Not only are some of the killings horrifically grisly, but it's the patient build up that raises tension levels to the max before striking us at one of the most unexpected moments.

Again it's all about the timing and impact with the sound effects some of the most simplistic but effective I've ever heard - the sort of noises you'd get from just slamming your fingers down on the top note of a keyboard, but when combined with the sudden appearance of Michael Myers, is able to send numerous chills up ones spine.

Unlike many horrors, this directly picks up from where the original left us, with Laurie Strode suffering from shock after her ordeal and Myers on the loose despite being shot 6 times and falling a couple of floors from a balcony - the sign of a true horror legend! Give or take a couple of murders on his way, the rest of the chase then takes place within the hospital confides, with the unfortunate night staff being on the end of this mad mans superhuman psychotic tendencies.

Dr Loomis is also still on hand to try and support Jamie Lee Curtis in her bid for survival after learning that the killers persistence with her is all family related, although his attempts are somewhat hampered in the sense that the majority of the cast die before they actually find him.

This is a great follow up to the first instalment and a true definition of horror at its finest. Too many a film try to use ridiculous amounts of gore and special effects these days in an attempt to shock, but this movie proves that the old techniques are often the best.

A great recommendation for a traditional movie night during halloween, and looking forward to number 3 in the series already.