FANBOY FILM REVIEW
Column by Sean Farlee
IV Leader Staff, Sept. 13, 2007
This past weekend Rob Zombie’s movie “Halloween,” a remake of the classic 1978 film by John Carpenter, opened nationwide.
Where the 1978 film was largely a suspense thriller, today’s version is much, much more brutal. As is common with remakes today, the story gets “enhanced” by gore. Movies like “The Hills Have Eyes” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” get remade and the gore factor goes up.
Gore aside, the main update is a back-story for Michael Myers. John Carpenter never explained why Michael was the way he was. He was just evil.
Rob Zombie plays on the conventional theories of serial killers, and why they are the way they are (i.e. abuse, dysfunction, killing animals, bullies, etc.). He goes into detail about Michael’s time in custody and his meetings with Dr. Samuel Loomis, played brilliantly by Malcolm McDowell.
The cast of the film features Zombie regulars like William Forsythe, Danny Trejo and Sheri Moon Zombie.
Daeg Faerch plays the part of young Michael. This kid creeped me out every single time I saw him on screen. His eyes are just chilling, and they always seem to be plotting against you. He owns the screen when he is on.
Tyler Mane (Sabretooth in “X-Men”) plays the role that has become synonymous with slasher flicks. The adult
Michael is imposing and brutal. He doesn’t let anyone stand in the way of his imposing frame.
Scout Taylor-Compton of Gilmore Girls plays the role of Lori Strode, Michael’s sister. She is not Jamie Lee Curtis by any stretch of the imagination but pulls off the role well.
The movie is very entertaining for a remake. As I watched it I found myself talking at the screen just like I did with the first film. There are several moments in the movie that will make you jump.
Rob Zombie has made a name for himself in the horror industry with this movie. His previous films “House of a 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects” were good for what they were.
“Halloween” has just elevated Zombie to the next level as a filmmaker. The film is dark, suspenseful and has a deeply involved story. When you hear that familiar music, prepare for the best Hollywood horror remake yet!