Halloween II (1981)

Impressions: This film was the second half of the one-two punch that knocked me back into my senses and reignited the flame of horror that had long burned within me. While seeing Halloween, for the first time in years, managed to open my eyes once again, it was Halloween II that finished the job. Just a few weeks later, I woke up in the middle of the night and turned on the television, since I couldn't sleep. Lucky for me, Halloween II was on cable that night. Though I'd grown up watching Michael Myers, I truly saw these films in a different light, at this point. I'd say that this was a very critical juncture in my development, as I had just turned 16. Not only was I discovering a lot of darker music, but I was reintroduced to the horror genre and was able to look at these movies in a more in-depth manner. The first two movies of this series have left a lasting impact on me.

Plot summary: Halloween II picks up from where the first one left off. Dr. Loomis is quite troubled upon discovering that Michael's body is missing. He repeatedly tells the police that he "shot him six times! He's not human! I shot him six times!" And, really, what we have here may be the birth of the invincible slasher. In Halloween, he was stabbed and even shot, but we didn't get the full impression that we were dealing with some supernatural evil. However, throughout the course of the second film, it becomes apparent that Michael Myers, in fact, is no ordinary human.

Laurie is taken to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, while Loomis and the Haddonfield police are searching for Myers. At one point, they cause the death of a teenage boy that is dressed in a similar costume, only to realize that it was not Michael, himself. Meanwhile, a bandaged and drugged up Laurie Strode (again, played by Jamie Lee Curtis) is wandering through the hospital, which becomes more abandoned as the film progresses. Myers manages to murder the entire late-night staff of the hospital, before finally tracking down Laurie.

A representative from Smith's Grove arrived in Haddonfield to get Dr. Loomis away from the situation, but then told him that Laurie was Michael's little brother. Loomis was furious at the fact that information had been kept from him, but then pieced together that Michael was in Haddonfield for the specific purpose of killing his sister, thus finishing what he started all those years ago. Loomis and his police escort arrive at the hospital just in time to save Laurie, though no one is there to save them. Again, Myers survives multiple gunshot wounds, and is only killed when Loomis causes an explosion, seemingly killing them both.

Conclusion: Halloween II is much darker than the original, partially due to the addition of Alan Howarth, working with John Carpenter on the score. Also, the cinematography is slightly different, as it is obvious that they were going for a much darker atmosphere. Whereas the original spends a lot of time setting up the story prior to the so-called action, this one wastes no time in going for the kill. Speaking of 'kills', there are many more of them here and quite a bit more violence and blood. Possibly, the most evil scene in any of these movies comes when the nurse discovers Dr. Mixter dead in his office. As her face is overcome by an expression of terror, you can see Michael Myers, slowly, emerging from the shadows behind her. In this instance, he has an almost demonic presence. Worth mention is that Halloween II was intended to be the end of the Michael Myers saga. The plan was to continue releasing a variety of movies under the 'Halloween' name. It was only after the poor reception of Halloween III: Season of the Witch and the strong desire from fans for the return of Myers, that he returned in 1988.