After the conclusion of Halloween II, Michael Myers rests in a coma for 10 years, only to be awakened when he hears the news of having a niece. Michael quickly gets to work on wreaking havoc in the small town of Haddonfield, but this time the townsfolk are ready…
Short nitty-gritty plot description from IMDb is as follows: Ten years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece on Halloween. Can Dr. Loomis stop him?
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers has a special place in my heart, due to the fact that I’ve seen it way before ever seeing the original movies. So I’m going to warn you that my opinion on this movie is going to be a little clouded from having nostalgic eyes, but personally I think I’m right, when saying this movie is a fantastic followup to the original two.
When you think about it, Halloween 4 is the first movie to really capture a Halloween vibe in it’s surroundings, having been shot in a place that looks like a small mid-western town (H4’s Salt Lake City, Utah to H1/2’s South Pasadena, Californa). The opening shots definitely give off a cool October evening vibe and I think Dwight H. Little (director) did a stellar job. Another great thing about the movie, was the inclusion of the angry mob who goes after Myers, when they hear he is back in town. This helps create some realism and helps elevate the tension, knowing that a crazy drunk mob is also on the loose, sometimes creating more problems than Myers himself. I also need to mention the ending, which I won’t spoil for you here, but know that it’s ballsy and really makes your pulse race. I’m very disappointed that Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers decided to do away with this ending, as I think it would’ve brought the series into a new and more interesting path.
The only returning actor from the first films is our favorite Doctor, Dr. Sam Loomis. Having somehow survived the fiery explosion, with only a few scars at the end of H2, Dr. Loomis gets word that Michael Myers has awoken and escaped. He quickly warns the new Sheriff (Beau Starr) and thankfully, having learned their lesson from past transgressions, security is beefed up. Dr. Loomis has gotten a little more crazy in his old age and there are several times where you’re wondering if he is a bigger threat than Myers (something you definitely see in the next instalment). I really like what they did with his character in this one, as any sane person would be no longer able to maintain sanity, with the weight of knowing you are somewhat responsible for this murderer. This movie also introduces us to the lovely Danielle Harris, who plays Jamie Lloyd. She was incredibly talented in the role and really sold the terror she was being put through. Another newcomer is Ellie Cornell as Rachel, Jamie’s stepsister. Echoing Laurie Strode in her character, she comes off strong and ready to take on the monstrous Michael Myers.
One thing that might stand out in this one is the look of Myers. The mask is hugely different than any you’ve ever seen. I know a lot of people remember this movie for the mask and think it’s awful, but over time it’s grown on me and I’ve come to appreciate the look. Behind the mask is George P. Wilbur, who does a great job with Myers, even though there are times where he looks like he is wearing shoulder pads.
Come this time in the series, John Carpenter is no longer involved, so the music falls into the hands of Alan Howarth, who you might remember was first introduced to us back in Halloween II. Howarth does a fantastic job with the music and I love the new rendition of the theme, which is loud and gets the heart rattling against your ribcage. When it first kicks in during the beginning of the film, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers is a return to form and one that unfortunately doesn’t last, thanks to the next one in the series. However, don’t let that stop you from seeing this one, as there are several tense scenes and one amazing ending. Michael Myers truly has returned.
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