John Carpenter's Halloween movie and sequels have been striking fear into the hearts of kids and adults for more than 30 years. The infamous Michael Myers, the boogey man who just won't die, has stalked Laurie Strode in the original Halloween as well as in its sequels, some of which include Halloween II, Halloween III and Halloween H20: Halloween 20 Years Later. Rob Zombie has also created several remakes of the 1970s horror classic, but each with several new twists on John Carpenter's original storyline. John Carpenter wrote the movie's now infamous score as well. The original version of Halloween had only a $300,000 budget, but despite this it went on to earn well over $2 million.
About the Movies
Each Michael Myers slasher flick has its own unique plot, but some elements still remain. Like Michael's mask, it has become an international icon that strikes terror into the hearts of thousands. The movie's score is also easily recognizable, almost as much as the Jaws theme. Here is a summary of some of the more popular movies in the Halloween franchise, but beware of plot spoilers!
Original Halloween
In 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers brutally stabbed his sister to death on Halloween night. For 15 years, Michael is locked in a sanatorium, where only his doctor, Dr. Loomis, sees how purely evil the boy is. On Halloween, 15 years after he murdered his sister, Michael steals Loomis' car during a storm and begins to stalk young Laurie Strode, his other sister.
Halloween II
Set on the same night as the first Halloween movie, Halloween II continues where the original plot left off. Laurie Strode is in the hospital being treated for the wounds Michael left at the end of the first movie, and Michael's not finished yet. In order to save Laurie and the hospital staff's lives, Dr. Loomis is back to try and stop the "boogey man."
Remakes
In 2007, Rob Zombie filmed a remake of the original Halloween, making his own changes to the film, but sticking to the main plot for the most part. In Rob Zombie's version of Halloween, we get to see more of what young Michael's life was like before he became a killer. There was also a remake of Halloween II released in 2009. Rob Zombie also directed this movie and stuck to the same tactic that had been so successful with his first remake of Halloween.
Cast
The cast of both the original Halloween and the Rob Zombie remake were remarkably talented actors and actresses, and each of them gave a very good performance in their respective movies and roles. The original cast is composed of:
- Donald Pleasence as Dr. Sam Loomis
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
- Nancy Kyes as Annie Brackett
- P.J. Soles as Lynda van der Klok
- Tony Moran as Michael Meyers (Adult)
The Rob Zombie version of the movie has its cast as follows:
- Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Sam Loomis
- Scout Taylor-Compton as Laurie Strode
- Tyler Mane as Adult Michael Myers
- Daeg Faerch as Young Michael Meyers (Age 10)
Where to Watch Halloween Movie and Sequels
If you want to see the Halloween movie and sequels, then a movie rental store such as Blockbuster would be a good choice if you just want to have a scary movie night with your family. However, if you wish to own the movies, or the newer Rob Zombie versions, then try a movie store, Amazon.com, or a site like Ebay.com.
