After 'Halloween II', the series was meant to be finished with Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. Director John Carpenter and Debra Hill were then tasked with continuing the series and they decided to go with a different story for each sequel, each set around the holiday. Most of you already know this story, as well as the end result when the film released in 1982 and didn't resonate well with the horror fans of the time. It's almost become a hipster movement of sorts to say that you now enjoy 'Halloween III' and yes, I myself do enjoy it but you'd think it was the best sequel the way I've heard it from some reviewers nowadays. For those who have skipped this one, the basic plot is this: an evil mask maker hopes to sacrifice children on Halloween night by rigging the masks with a magical stone that activates when they watch a specific commercial. A doctor stumbles upon the sinister plot and with the daughter of one of the factory's former workers, they hope to stop it before its too late.
The story is the best part of the film and is very unique even today and for an 80s horror film, it has many deep layers that has likely been the reason behind why many have now been giving the film a second chance. Themes of commercialism, issues of free will, and over consumption of television as children really elevates 'Halloween III' above your average horror flick and thankfully doesn't beat you over the head with it. The acting is about what you'd expect here, but is above average with the stand out being the villainous Conal Cochran played brilliantly by Dan O'Herlihy who many of you may know from 'Robocop'. He gives the role the perfect blend of cheese and over the top acting required of such a character, but at the same time his monologue about the origins of Halloween is really chilling and sticks with you as one of the film's best moments.
The film is also shot very well and has Dean Cundey returning for his final 'Halloween' film. He gives the film the dark and sinister feel it needs, however I don't get that holiday feeling as I did with the previous two films, aside from the final act where we get some nice sunset shots as children in costume travel for their treats. I only wish this look was the whole film. The score also sees John Carpenter return for his final composition until 2018's reboot film. Instead of a horror theme, he seems to go for more of a science fiction sound, all synth of course. It still feels appropriate for this film though it's far from my favorite piece of Carpenter's.
'Halloween III' is far from perfect however, with small cracks in its foundation that keeps it from being better. I just want to get this out of the way first because I'm sure people are sick of hearing it, but yes the film's title 'Halloween III' does not work with it due to it's connection to the Michael Myers films. Had Universal and Carpenter been more obvious and clear with their intentions, it may not have been as poorly received. Time has made the film out to be a big flop due to this poor marketing and while I agree they didn't approach this correctly, the film's failure has been blown out of proportion. I also really dislike the young actress in the film as it's not only uncomfortable and unrealistic that she instantly gets together and sleeps with Tom Atkins' character (which also happened in Carpenter's 'The Fog' for some reason) but she brings nothing to the story other than to give Atkins a motivation to continue the story. The film also doesn't play with the supernatural and technology elements quite enough. I would have liked to see or hear more about those aspects of the story as they're the most interesting. I just feel that I'm missing some pieces in the story here and there but you get enough to enjoy the story at least.
'Halloween III' gets way too much hate, but also way too much love. It's a good 80's horror flick that doesn't quite work in places, but 'The worst movie ever'?, 'Most underrated horror film ever'? Hardly, but check it out if you've yet to see it, or go back and give it another chance to see if you experience it differently. And remember: 30 more days till Halloween...Silver Shamrock!
3.5/5
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