Perfect!

Rating: 10/10 (12 August 2009)

Calling this movie anything less then a classic is simply unacceptable. Everything about it just screams "Yes, I am perfect and this is how horror should be done!" From the cinematography to the suspense and realism, John Carpenter hit the nail on the head. Like a fine wine, this masterpiece only gets better with age. This is what legends are made of, this is what gave birth to an icon.
The movie starts off with the viewer seeing through the eyes of evil itself. We're shown a predator stalk it's prey, until we're rewarded with it's first kill. Then we're greeted with an early surprise, when it's revealed the hunter behind this madness came in the shape of a boy still in his costume on Halloween night. This anything but innocent boy goes by the name of Michael Myers. Ladies and gentlemen...meet the Boogeyman.
Immediately, the tone is set and this is just the beginning. Shortly after, we flash ahead a few years where we're first introduced to the good doctor himself, Samuel Loomis played by the great Donald Pleasence. He arrives at an institution to see our young killer from earlier who is now an adult. But something is off when he arrives as many of the patients seem to be roaming the yard in the rain unsupervised. This is when Michael Myers makes his great escape, as he makes his way back to his hometown of Haddonfield where his terror will be unleashed...once again.
This is where our young group of girls first appear. This group consists of the original scream queen herself Jamie Lee Curtis playing Laurie Strode as our lead, and her two friends Annie Brackett and Lynda van der Klok played by Nancy Loomis (Now Nancy Kyes) and P.J. Soles. These are the girls our Boogeyman decides to terrorize and torture...now he certainly has good taste.
The tension continues to build, as we're shown Michael in only small doses. This master of horror director, John Carpenter, seems to know how to work suspense like no other. The vibe throughout is creepy as hell. We as the viewer never know what dark corner or behind what doorway Michael will pop out of, we're stuck guessing and preparing for each scare and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Now Michael Myers himself is a force to be reckoned with! When you have a silent killer like him, you can only judge him by his actions. He ain't exactly the most outgoing or talkative person you'll ever meet, but his lack of words, he more then makes up for with his art of killing. Each kill is done in such a stylish way, whether it's intelligent and patient like Annie's demise or slick and forceful like Bob's. Each one is impressive and helps us get a feel for who he is in such a unique way. His mask is timeless and like everything else about this movie, it just feels so right.
One thing that must be mentioned and really adds to the overall vibe and creepiness factor is the incredible score. Whether you're a fan or not, you know the main theme! It's as recognizable as Michael Myers himself, it's what makes you tense up in your seat, it's everything that it should be. Wouldn't feel like a Halloween movie without it and that's the reason it appears throughout the series, even if it's through variations.
The exciting conclusion and thrilling finale ends with Laurie fighting for survival against The Shape as he unleashes a relentless attack. With each encounter Laurie narrowly escapes but young Tommy Doyle who she happens to be babysitting throughout the chaos says it the best "You can't kill the Boogeyman." Truer words have never been spoken. Dr.Loomis finally makes his heroic appearance to save the day after searching for Michael throughout the night. The bullets fly until Michael is shot off a balcony and implanted in the ground. But as we've been shown already, one second he's there...the next he's not.
This film really has it all and I can't praise it enough. Often imitated, never duplicated. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it or when you seen it last, the next time you get a chance to watch it...make sure you do. Each sequel only adds to the legacy, this is what nightmares are made of and it will continue to scare until the end of time! John Carpenter's Halloween is the epitome of a classic.
10/10