“More Of The Night He Came Home” Synopsis: While Sheriff Brackett and Dr. Loomis hunt for Michael Myers, a traumatized Laurie is rushed to hospital, and the serial killer is not far behind her.

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Calamity Brains:

The Halloween franchise is well known for its continuity errors and plot holes, and Halloween II is no exception. Despite picking up immediately after the first movie left off, there are a number of unexplained and confusing discrepancies between the two. This isn’t surprising, considering John Carpenter‘s claim that he needed a six pack a day to get through writing the script – but it is a let down for fans of the first movie.

Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis is plucky as ever as Laurie Strode, but I always like it better when she’s forced to confront the killer alone. Here she once again receives help from Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence), the only one who truly understands the danger Michael Myers poses. Though I like the character of Dr. Loomis – as well as his strange, off-beat rants about his former patient – it’s more compelling to me when the final girl is actually, well, the final girl.

Halloween II generally suffers not only from plot holes, but also the addition of over-the-top devices that its predecessor eschewed. One of the best things about Halloween was that it focused more on psychological terror than blatant gore. But the second addition to the franchise includes a lot more blood (albeit very fake blood) and boobs, attempting to cash in using generic slasher trends rather than following in the first film’s footsteps.

Still, there are some moments and devices in Halloween II that I liked. There’s a decent attention to detail when it comes to camera work – there are some clever shots and use of shadows. John Carpenter’s theme is good as always. And I could probably just watch the scene where Jimmy (Lance Guest) slips on a pool of blood forever.

All in all, Halloween II is a major step down from the original – but unlike many of the sequels, it does make some attempt at keeping the tone of the movie the same. In the end, it’s interesting to watch from a series completion standpoint… but unfortunately, it doesn’t stand well on its own.

Calamity Brains’ Rating: C-
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