Halloween (1978)

Starring - Donald Pleasence; Jamie Lee Curtis; Nancy Kyes; P.J. Soles & Charles Cyphers Director - John Carpenter MPAA - R I first saw Halloween when I was in junior high, which was more than a decade ago. To this day the theme song still gives me chills. By far, Halloween has the best soundtrack of any horror film ever made, with the possible exception of Psycho. Much like the other early slasher films such as Friday The 13th or Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween wasn't made on what you would call a big budget. Unlike the other films of that era, Halloween had one extra thing going for it, director John Carpenter. Carpenter makes use of what limited money he had, down to the last penny. That is not to say that Halloween always looks great, but in the places where the shoestring budget shows itself it only adds to the charm. Carpenter probably also saved money in other areas -- not only did he direct the movie, but he wrote it, and composed all of the music. Fortunately for we the audience, Carpenter excels in all three areas. The other leg up that Halloween has on the other early slashers is its cast. Sure it has its share of acting class failures, but they aren't bad enough to detract from Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence. Young Michael Myers, at the age of nine, decided to give new meaning to trick or treat on Halloween night by killing his sister with a butcher knife. He is confined to a mental hospital where he is placed in the care of Doctor Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence). 15 years to the day that he killed his sister, Michael escapes from the institution to return to his hometown of Haddonfield and resume his killing. He is pursued by Dr. Loomis and the local police, but before they can catch him he resumes his love for large cutlery by using it on some of the local teen population. One of the locals who run into big Mike on Halloween is Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) who happen to be baby sitting in the wrong place at the wrong time. It should come as no surprise that mayhem and carnage ensue. As I said, the budget wasn't big, so don't expect Star Wars quality production values in this film. With most of the cast (or if you prefer, victims in waiting) the acting is passable. Pleasence does a great job at being creepy, and Jamie Lee Curtis, even with the bad seventies hair and the bell bottoms is a hottie. She also does a pretty good job in the acting department, considering that this was her first role. The story is pretty good considering this is a slasher flick. It is even more interesting if you also watch the sequel that gives a bit more of the back story. No review of Halloween would be complete without the requisite fun fact about this movie. Take a good look at Michael Myers white mask that he wears throughout his killing spree. You may just notice that it is actually a William Shatner (that's right Trekkies, good old Captain Kirk himself) Halloween mask painted white. Other fun bloopers include the fact that the film is supposed to be set in Illinois but all of the cars have California license plates. I would recommend Halloween to anyone who wants a good scare, despite the fact that it looks very dated in places. One other recommendation that I would make is that if at all possible watch Halloween and its sequel at the same time as they take place within hours of each other. 7/10 - I'd rank it higher if the production values had been better. Reviewed January 01, 1999 by Joe Chamberlain