A classic in the annals of horror filmdom

Rating: 7/10 (7 November 2010)

John Carpenter's "Halloween" is basically a must-see for any discerning horror fan. It is a touchstone in the 'slasher film' sub-genre and has spawned hordes of imitators. Also, it is among the most profitable independent films of all time.
The story is fairly simple. A killer, institutionalized since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and preys again on Halloween night. It's basically a high-concept premise meant to set up a suspenseful series of set-pieces culminating in a climactic showdown late in the movie.
On the acting front, "Halloween" launched the career of Jamie Lee Curtis. She stands out among her co-stars, though that's faint praise considering the rest of the cast. I make exception, of course, for Donald Pleasance, who lends the film some credibility.
John Carpenter's direction is nicely handled and the film shows some interesting touches from a visual standpoint. Carpenter takes the time to establish atmosphere and create suspense, aided in part by his own moody score.
In the end, "Halloween" is a good low-budget picture but (inevitably) some of the acting and writing is a bit amateurish. However, the movie is still worth watching as a straightforward horror flick whose success is based more on suspense than blood and guts.