22 years and still the best! (!SMALL SPOILER FOR HALLOWEEN II!)

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2000)

This movie is probably more important for the development of the horror genre than any other film. It has spawned a whole new kind of films, with many rip-offs following in the 80s and 90s like the "Friday the 13th" series or Scream 1-3. Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is often referred as the film that created horror (I think it's more like a suspense film than a real horror film) but in my opinion Halloween set the standard for horror films. All the modern teen-horror flicks are basically nothing more than rip-offs with some comedy elements added. Not even Scream (which I thought was pretty cool) can reach the quality of this one.
Halloween creates an atmosphere that is unique. Michael Myers is much scarier than the killer from "Scream" (who is considerably dumb, running into every obstacle while chasing his soon-to-be victims). The acting in Halloween is exceptionally good for a horror film. Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis in her first role) and Doctor Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasance) are two very well drawn characters and the directing by John Carpenter is ingenious and one of the best ever seen (point-of-view shot at the beginning of the film etc.). Carpenter also did a hell of a job composing the score which is one of the best in movie history, especially the title song.
An often criticized point is the story. Though I have to admit it is kept simple, a more complex story would probably have killed the film's charm. It is the simplicity that makes this film what it is. Michael Myers is killing people for no particular reason, he's just pure evil. After having stabbed, strangled and slashed a few kids he goes after Laurie Strode (in "Halloween II" we'll learn that she is his sister). The creepy effect of the film doesn't depend on gore since there are almost no bloody scenes. The end left the possibility of a follow-up which then was made three years later.
"Halloween" is a must-see not only for horror-fans but also for anyone who is interested in good films.
My rating: 10/10 (did I mention that it is my favored horror film?)