Ten years later, after the events of 'Halloween' & 'Halloween II' we return to Haddonfield in 'Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers'. For those who are unaware, 'Halloween II' was to be the finale for the character of Michael Myers & Dr. Loomis. However in 1982, the first attempt at this new direction 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch' was received negatively upon it's initial release and so after so many years, the studio decided to resurrect Myers to please the fans. I won't deny that I'm a pretty hardcore 'Halloween' fan, but I got to be honest and admit that 'Halloween 4' just doesn't do much for me, and it gets less and less enjoyable each time I view it. It isn't really about what it lacks either, but rather what it keeps from the previous films and the result is a sequel that is so by the books and safe that if it weren't for the wonderful acting by Donald Pleasance and young Danielle Harris I don't think anyone would even remember 'Halloween 4' like they do today.
The film is the same story structure as the 1978 original: Michael escapes the institution, kills a mechanic for his suit, kills a dog, and is chasing after a Strode character. 'Halloween' may have been the film that started the whole slasher sub-genre, but part four is one of the most forgettable of that era due to these safe tactics by the production studio. As I said before, the film does offer a great performance by the young Harris who plays the role of Jamie, Laurie Strode's daughter. It's actually astounding that such a young child could play such a demanding role as Jamie this well. As always, we also have the pleasure of Donald Pleasance's Loomis character and he knows the role so well by now that he is flawless though admittedly a little over the top for some folks. The new characters all suck, most of them being the usual characters you'd find in an 80's slasher flick. The slutty Sheriff's daughter, the generic boyfriend that lacks a personality, and even though we have a final girl of sorts in Jamie's sister Rachel, Ellie Cornell isn't given that great of a character to work off of despite her being a good actress. Rachel complains or cries a lot and is just never given enough scenes to show her love for Jamie aside from the final act.
'Halloween 4' also can't seem to figure out what it wants to be at times, with some gory killings thrown in rather sloppily, as if they didn't know if they wanted to be like the original or try to be like the many imitators. The film's third act is the only real worthwhile part of the story, as most of the action is here but the beginning and middle is painfully slow for such a short running time. 'Halloween' was able to keep people's attention during these slower moments by giving us likeable characters, mood, atmosphere, and of course that great Carpenter score which part four sadly lacks on all levels. By far, the best scene in the movie for me is when Loomis meets a traveling preacher on his way back to Haddonfield. He and Loomis share a moment together, and Loomis sees himself in this raving man talking of Armageddon and the end of the world. You can see it in Donald Pleasance's face during this scene that people in town must think of him the same way and its a really deep moment for the character. It's such a shame that this is the only scene with any substance to it and the script is dull and lifeless. It's just a carbon copy of 78's 'Halloween' and contributes nothing of its own to stand out.
'Halloween 4' was given much fanfare and love from fans back when it first released, but time has not been kind to it. Aside from the two lead performances, there's nothing to see here that you wouldn't find done better in the original 'Halloween'. I know fans have a soft spot for this one, but I gotta be that guy and say I really do not enjoy 'The Return of Michael Myers'. It's a sad homecoming for an iconic horror monster.
2/5
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