DVD Review- Halloween 2007

DVD: Halloween (2007)

Reviewer Peter Cooper

Halloween 2007 Rob Zombie's 2007 stab at John Carpenter's classic 1978 Halloween was one of the few times that I enjoyed a remake even remotely close to the original. What made this a real treat was the fact that Zombie elected to make 80% of the film a prequel and in no other Halloween film in the entire franchise was this ever dealt with in serious detail. We saw the Smith's Grove angle slightly in the televised version of the original and Loomis and the nurse discuss the family history briefly in the back of the state trooper's car in part II (1981), but that is pretty much all we have gotten until this film. The dynamics of Michael's relationship with his sister, mother, stepfather, school life, his stay a Smith's Grove and relationship with Loomis and all the other psychological constructs that lend themselves to the creation of this character are all dealt with in depth and seriously. In many ways, (with the exception of the original) this is the most original film in the series because of all the aformentioned elements that are brought to light. Of course, having Rob Zombie's distinct style of film making adds to the atmosphere of the film. Tyler Mane does a great job as the shape and at 6'9 is the largest man to play the role to date as well as the only mane to play the role consecutively. An interesting role was that of Ismael (Danny Trejo); the MHT who takes care of Michael in Smith's Grove for the 15 years that he is there. I think the importance of this small but powerful role was that this character (besides his mother) was truly caring and nice to Michael and was in daily contact with him and thus probably knew him better than most. We later see Michael's evil heart as he disposes of this man without a second thought. The role of Loomis (Malcolm McDowell) was played admirably and was cast well although to fill the shoes of one of the best actors of all time (Donald Pleasence) especially in this role was a bit too much to ask anyone. In short, this is in the top three of my favorite films of the series (along with Halloween 1978 and Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers) and I would strongly recommend it to those who have not seen it. 4/5

Pete Cooper www.facebook.com/pages/Peter-Cooper-Band/103553261084