Amidst the backdrop of the early 2000s, Halloween: Resurrection (2002) reflected a massive shift towards more interactive and media-savvy horror experiences. The utilization of technology and the internet might be much more relevant today, but it has rendered films of that era nothing more than “products of their time.”
Nevertheless, Halloween: Resurrection takes a daring approach by incorporating elements of the found-footage genre, focusing on a teenage-centric live web series broadcasted from the infamous home of Michael Myers in Haddonfield, Illinois; a blatant attempt to resonate with fans of the found-footage box office phenomenon, The Blair Witch Project (1999).
But the most criticized aspect of Halloween: Resurrection, which is a direct sequel to the beloved Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), is its goofy humor and campy style. The slapstick moments, including real-world-famous rapper Busta Rhymes’ over-the-top antics, creates a jarring comic relief that’s at odds with the series’ usual darker tones.
With all that said, in a franchised filled with reboots, sequels, and spin-offs, Halloween: Resurrection brings a measure of novelty to the table. The decision to center the plot around a live-stream horror experience certainly has appeal. However, the swift dispatching of Halloween‘s iconic lead, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), remains unforgivable for countless fans.
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Since her introduction in the original Halloween (1978) by John Carpenter, Laurie has become the archetype of the “Final Girl” in the slasher genre. But despite gaining closure at the end of H20, in Resurrection, she’s inexplicably killed by her brother, Michael Myers (Brad Loree) – whose appearance alone retcons that ending – during the film’s opening scene.
Despite an intriguing premise, Halloween: Resurrection faced widespread criticism upon release, garnering an unfavorable 10% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its box office performance was also underwhelming, grossing $37.6 million against its $15 million budget. Resurrection is now viewed as a huge misstep for the Halloween franchise.
But comparisons to John Carpenter’s 1978 classic are inevitable. Halloween: Resurrection draws the audience in more swiftly than its predecessor. While the original film is lauded for its masterful tension-building, its pacing can feel sluggish by modern standards. Resurrection, on the other hand, aims for a quicker tempo designed to engage viewers immediately, ultimately offering audiences a far lighter slasher experience.
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