Why is this film so popular?

Rating: 6/10 (1 December 2002)

Before reading this review, you have to understand that I am really not a fan of the horror genre on the whole. Most horror films are boring, plot-less, and just all around uninteresting. So, that is probably why it has taken me 24 years of life to finally get around to watching the first of the Halloween films. ...And on top of my dislike for horror films, I also have a strong dislike for John Carpenter. He's had a few good ones here and there, but some of his films could have been great, but he screwed them up (in my opinion). Anyhow on with the review.
I realize that this film as made in 1978, so it's somewhat hard to gauge the scary-ness of this film. Personally, I didn't find the film to be very scary at all, creepy ok, but scary no. I guess I can see how this would be scary back in the late 1970's or early 1980's, but not so much today.
The plot was just terrible in my opinion. I was expecting more of a back-story for Michael Myers, but all I got was that he was a psycho little kid and he grew into a psycho adult. Not terribly interesting. I don't really know what I was expecting, but whatever it was, I didn't get it. I was also expecting some sort of explanation as to why he wears the white mask. But...all I got was that it was Halloween, so it was fitting for the killer to be wearing a mask. Also, while I'm thinking of it. Why did they credit the character of Michael Myers as "The Shape"? STUPID!!! I'm sorry, but that is a retarded name for the killer, just call him what he is, Michael Myers.
I've read numerous reviews saying how much they loved John Carpenter's score. I really feel like the minority here, but you have got to be kidding me?!?! John Carpenter is a terrible composer! I can't believe people actually like his so-called music. There were actually a few times I wanted to mute the tv because the music was so awful.
The acting is this film was nothing spectacular. Donald Pleasence was ok, but nothing great. Just another horror movie actor to me, they're all pretty much the same. Jamie Lee Curtis was pretty good in her role, but again, nothing great. I've never heard of any of the other cast members, both good and bad acting. Typical horror movie acting, what can I say?
I don't really think I'm in a position to recommend this film to anyone, but if you're a fan of horror movies that you probably ought to see this. I only say that because obviously a lot of horror fans like this film, so perhaps you'll like it too. There's also a huge number of allusions to this film in other films, so it's good to be able to spot them. If you do end up seeing the film, I hope you enjoy it more than I did. Thanks for reading,
-Chris