A pure classic

Rating: Null/10 (13 September 1999)

This is one I've been meaning to comment on for awhile, but with all the new releases out there, I just havent had a chance. Let me start with this: "Halloween" is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen.
The plot is simple enough.....15 years ago, young Michael Myers murdered his sister in cold blood on Halloween night. Now he's back to complete his gruesome work.
Jamie Lee Curtis, in her first starring role, plays Laurie Strode, a high school student unaware of her past (as are we all....it is revealed to us in "Halloween 2" and expanded on in 4 and "H20") She is the intended victim of Michael's murderous plan. She delivers a top notch performance and plays the strong willed survivor with great ease and skill.
Most of the other roles are cliched, PJ Soles' trampy Linda, and Nancy Loomis' somewhat self-absorbed Annie. The late Donald Pleasance as Dr. Sam Loomis (Michaels psychiatrist, who is determined to never let him loose) delivers a solid acting job, and is belivable in his determination to stop the evil that has descended on the small town of Haddonfield.
One of the best roles in the movie is surprisingly never mentioned. Dick Warlock as "the Shape", which is what adult Michael is referred to in the closing credits. His methodical stalking and mechanical movements made the unstoppable Michael that much more terrifying. Even his walk was scary, when he's pursuing Laurie across the street to the Doyle residence.
This movie broke new ground in 1978, and was even honored in homage by Kevin Williamson (oh come on..."Scream" was almost entirely influenced by "Halloween"). This is a horror and film classic, and retains its punch to this day, unlike the majority of horror films today (including the aforementioned "Scream").
5 out of 5