Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Directed by: Steve Miner | 86 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Adam Arkin, Michelle Williams, LL Cool J, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Adam Hann-Byrd, Janet Leigh, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nancy Stephens, Brandon Williams, Beau Billingslea, Matt Winston, Larisa Miller, Emmalee Thompson, David Blanchard, John Cassini, Jody Wood, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Chris Durand, Tom Kane, Arden James, Steve Miner, Brit Townsend

Many sequels have been made since the original (1978) and after the success of ‘Scream’ ‘Halloween H20: 20 Years Later’ was inevitable. It was the first time that ‘scream queen’ Jamie Lee Curtis had returned to the party after ‘Halloween II’ (1981). ‘Halloween H20′ (pronounced age twenty) is part seven in the series. It’s 1998, twenty years after brother-in-law Michael broke out of an institution to kill Laurie. Laurie escaped, faked her death and started a new life under the name Keri Tate. A film like this makes more of an impression with some background story. The creators did well to ignore the stories from ‘Halloween 3 through 6’ and portray Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) as a mother who tries to suppress the fear that her brother will ever come after her again with alcohol and pills. . The role of son John is the film debut of Josh Hartnett. He subsequently became a well-known actor from films such as ‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001) and ‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001). In addition to its goofy head with wacky hair, this ‘Halloween’ part is also refreshed with Michelle Williams from the series ‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998-2003) and Jodi Lyn O’Keefe from ‘She’s All That’ (1999). Adam Arkin from ‘Chicago Hope’ (1994-2000) plays Laurie’s boyfriend. Janet Leigh (1927-2004) ‘original scream queen’ from ‘Psycho’ (1960) and the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis also makes an appearance as secretary Norma. The name Sam Loomis from the original ‘Halloween’ was already borrowed from ‘Psycho’. Sarah (O’Keefe) refers to ‘Psycho’ and Norma walks towards her car somewhere, an exact replica of the one from the Hitchcock movie. The list of links between this ‘Halloween’ and ‘Pyscho’ got even longer. In addition, there are references to the original and ‘Scream’ whose writer Kevin Williamson is co-executive producer here. Like Laurie in “Halloween,” Michael appears and disappears outside the classroom window for John’s girlfriend Molly (Williams). ‘Scream 2′ (1997) is on TV in Molly and Sarah’s room.

Unlike parts 3 through 6, ‘Halloween H20′ seems to be a really good shot at the level of part one. It makes the viewer care about the main characters. Curtis convincingly portrays a tormented woman who can no longer run. Teenage son Hartnett sprays striking texts, he thinks his mother should leave the past behind. Hartnett and Curtis are a fun mom and son to watch. Hartnett and Williams scream and startle with abandon and they fight back too. There is a careful build-up of tension and many (false) scares. The intro with Joseph Gordon-Levitt of ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996-2001) is a real killer. The film is also surrounded by an ominous atmosphere. “Friday the 13th Part II and III” director Steve Miner made the threat of danger palpable on campus and also during the mother-daughter toilet scene. If you still have to go somewhere in the dark after watching this film, look around you a few times just to be sure. Humor comes in the form of LL Cool J as security guard Ronny.

New setting, new director, new cast, original lead actress means new opportunities. The younger crowd and the older ‘Halloween’ fans will not be disappointed. The ending is a hit. But alas, unfortunately they found it necessary to make ‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002) after this, which is called the low point of the series. ‘Halloween H20′ would have been a neat, honorable ending to the series.