Halloween!

Rating: 9/10 (1 November 2009)

I saw this movie for the first time last night: Halloween night. I had wanted to see it for a long time, and was very excited to finally get the chance to see it. It was just as great as I expected it to be. To me, Halloween has both the greatest atmosphere, and setting for a horror movie. It may not be the "best" horror movie ever, but its got to be the best slasher. Halloween is a true staple of horror. It takes what is already a great concept for a scary movie and makes it even better by making it take place on Halloween night.
Because of this, it is the most fitting, appropriate movie to watch on the night of Halloween. It is really the perfect setting, and works out very well for the movie. Halloween has a great script alone, but its transition to film is incredible. To call the movie engaging would be an understatement. Halloween is thrilling, from start to finish. It also has a haunting score. An edge-of-your seat suspenseful score, that is both creepy and foreboding. Its my personal favorite horror movie soundtrack. It is one that when accompanied with the stark face of Michael Myers, is sure to induce fear. As for the character of Michael Myers, we don't know much about him, other than his doctor's description of him, as a maniac.
We don't really know why he is set out on killing people. He doesn't seem to be filled with hatred, or wickedness. Its just what he does. He also seems to posses a supernatural quality. He is seemingly invincible: he is never defeated in the movie, despite being attacked several times. He also appears out of nowhere, and then disappears. And our protagonist, Laurie, is the only one to ever see him. Her friends don't see him, and think she's imagining him. Michael's plan of attack is slow but sure. He seems like he is in a trance while he is after his victims. It is a trademark of his: He doesn't even have to chase them, as any other slasher does. He walks.
And he is still able to get them! All of this is what makes Michael so scary. Michael Myers is an elusive villain. He's not in-your-face like a lot of horror villains. His appearances are subtle. We often see him in the dark, only a piece of him, or we see him from a distance (if we see him at all). We also never know when Michael Myers is about to pop up. There are certain times in the movie where Michael seems to have a golden opportunity to jump out from the bushes, but he doesn't. He normally appears when you're least expecting it.
The movie makes the holiday of Halloween even more fun. I believe that movies like Halloween are such a classic that you they are essential to watch for the full enjoyment of the holiday. Not just for horror fans, for everybody. Everybody who wants to enjoy Halloween to its fullest, that is. I think movies like this are every bit as crucial to Halloween, as is trick or treating, or candy corn. Honestly, what kind of Halloween would you have without trick-or-treating? A bland one. It would be just like thanksgiving with no turkey, or Easter with no chocolates. It would be just like any other day. Definitely watch this movie; watch it on Halloween night.