MovieChat Forums > Halloween II (1981) Discussion > Feeling of Halloween II

Feeling of Halloween II


Halloween II probably creates the best feeling in me of all the series. The film creates an excellent blend of fear, mystery, and nostalgia. There is something scarier about this film taking place entirely at night (except for the epilogue), at a hospital (which is scary by itself in real life being a place where death could occur at any time), and the eerie synthesizer music. The sense of intrigue and mystery also is heightened in this film as the Samhain supernatural aspect of Michael is hinted at but not fully explored or revealed until later films. Watching this on TV also created a sense of mystery since you wouldn’t know if the version on TV were the theatrical or TV cut so you would never know for sure what would happen next and might discover something new. It also creates a great nostalgic feeling with the Halloween holiday decorations and costumes being more prominent than in other films in the series; also the film has the look and sound of the early 1980s giving it sort of timeless snapshot into the past.

reply

Yes, I really really like this sequel.

reply

It’s a solid sequel and an excellent ending point. I hope someday we’ll get to see director Rosenthal’s original cut of the film. I think Carpenter’s added gore is unnecessary.

reply

The original is a masterpiece. This sequel is at best a B-, and each sequel after this one is awful. The original had a great 70’s feel....right down to the Blue Oyster Cult song (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”). It also showed Laurie as a teenager, with all her friends. This sequel has a very....drab feel.

Most of it takes place in a hospital (yawn).....albeit it a creepy one in which apparently only one nurse is on duty.

Laurie is wearing an obvious wig, and she’s doped-up through most of the movie. All her friends are gone, and she no longer has that cute, babysitter next door innocence and appeal.

Everything about it is a drab, watered-down version of the original.

The only thing good about it....Loomis, as intense as ever.

reply

Highly offensive. Movie is great.

reply

Yeah, crappy movie.

reply

"Halloween II" was the series' end. It might as well have just said so before the End Titles ran. Loomis is dead. Michael is dead. That's all folks!

I thought that it was great and a fitting end to the series. The only reason why it was continued was because Carpenter didn't own it and had no control over what happened after II.

reply

That must've been why they went back to the Halloween anthology idea for HIII

reply

Yes, that’s exactly why Halloween III doesn’t have Michael Myers. Michael is supposed to be dead at the end of II & the long night (Halloween I - II) is over.

Carpenter wanted to do a new “Halloween” themed horror movie for each new chapter/film, but fans whined about it not having Myers so it never panned out.
Sucks, I would’ve loved to have seen Carpenter’s ideas for Halloween IV etc…

Also, “totally” agree with the original posters topic. Love the feel of Halloween II.

reply