Forget all the hard-to-follow sequel titles of the Halloween franchise. This latest iteration eliminates all the mystery by literally telling you that this movie is where it Ends… Until the next reboot anyways.
Based on the marketing, you might expect that Laurie Strode and Michael Myers are going to have their final showdown for the full one hour 51 minute runtime. However, this isn’t at all what you should expect. The bulk of the plot deals with a resident of Haddonfield named Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), who is seen as a local pariah. The story focuses on his blossoming relationship with Allyson (Andi Matichak), Laurie Strode’s Granddaughter.
It has been four years since the townspeople was driven in to mob mentality and sought to kill Michael Myers. While they failed in their attempts, Michael has not been seen since. Laurie has dealt with grief and overcome her PTSD while trying to find a way past her inner and outer demons. In almost every way, she has become resigned, knowing that her final encounter with The Shape will arrive again one day.
There are so many themes that this new trilogy tries to explore but it loses all focus. The previous movie showcased the town going nuts, much to their own detriment. Yet, there’s plenty of better themes that the script barely make reference to. Haddonfield has become a metaphorical cursed town. It’s a city where fear has turned to spite. Kids no longer trick or treat, many people are angry at Laurie for her role in the previous massacres, and crime is at an all time high.
Really, the second movie in this trilogy dropped the ball by trying to throw in easter eggs for the franchise and not introducing Corey’s character. His role feels like it should have been set up as a would-be act two, instead of dominating the runtime in the franchise’s conclusion.
There’s some decent characterization for Corey and Allyson. They are two characters who have let their own versions of trauma run their lives and decisions. The script dedicates plenty of time to adding dimensions to these “survivors,” however it feels wildly unconventional for the franchise. Taking risks is a great element to add to a tired formula, yet leaving out the reason people are coming to the movies, isn’t.
Michael Myers is largely an unseen factor until the end of the movie. When he finally does rear his ugly mask again, the movie becomes exactly as promised. It’s a brutal battle that’s decades in the making. In fact, the third act delivers on what this new franchise completely succeeds at – shocking and brutal kills.
And while Michael feels like little more than a cameo this time around, Laurie Strode is a great presence. Jamie Lee Curtis plays her as a relevant and likable character for the first time since H20. She is invested in rebuilding the morale of Haddonfield, while also knowing that isn’t possible unless she rebuilds herself first.
Halloween Ends at long last. The 2018 legacy-quel set the bar high for the franchise, while Kills did exactly to that to any further expectations. Ends is clearly a stronger effort than Kills, but this trilogy conclusion still feels like two different movies. The audience may only care to see what the traditional movie brings in the final 30 minutes. I can’t say I dislike this movie, but it’s nearly devoid of scares and Michael Myers. It’s far from the worst sequel in the series, but far from the best. In the end, it will largely be forgotten. D+
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