- Horror in America: 5 Horror Films For The 4th Of July - July 1, 2022
- Upcoming Horror: 5 Scary Movies Releasing July 1-8 - July 1, 2022
- ‘The Black Phone’: Movie Review And Rating - July 1, 2022
In honor of Rob Zombie’s birthday week, fans and critics are coming together to either bash or celebrate his work. When it comes to his filmography, Zombie’s versions of Halloween have been split within the horror community, especially those who hold horror villain Michael Myers near and dear to their heart. Despite this, it’s important to note that Zombie’s Halloween 2 is the most misunderstood film in the franchise.
Happy Birthday ROB ZOMBIE, director of HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, THE DEVIL’S REJECTS, and many more cult classics – born today in 1965! His movies aren't for everyone – which is your fave? pic.twitter.com/u4oFyrGFt1
— Rue Morgue (@RueMorgue) January 12, 2021
Rob Zombie’s hidden Horror gem
An exploration into the downward spiral of Laurie Strode’s PTSD, Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 is a masterpiece. From it’s gritty and dark tone, to its bleak but poignant atmosphere, the film highlights the struggle of Laurie as she attempts to assimilate back into society. Following the traumatic events caused by Michael Myers in the previous movie, the trauma that Laurie’s been dealing with has ripped apart her relationships. Laurie’s bond with her best friend Annie has become almost nonexistent. Halloween 2 also features arguably the best single acting performance of the franchise by Brad Dourif. Playing Sherif Bracket, Dourif’s realization of his daughter Annie’s death is heartbreaking to watch on screen. Veteran horror actress Danielle Harris took on the role of Annie for a second time, and once again hit a home run. Then newcomer Scout Taylor-Compton took on the role of Laurie and was stellar.
Rob Zombie was able to rollback what critics described as a “white trash” feel from his first Halloween film without sacrificing the bleak nature of the story. Michael Myers is also the most vicious and menacing in the entire franchise, as he stalks and kills in such a brutal fashion that you can’t help but feel for the victims on screen.
Halloween 2 and the biggest complaints
Two criticisms of Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 have been consistent throughout the years. One comes in the form of the infamous inclusion of the white horse. The second complaint is directed at having Michael Myers speak. Both complaints are a departure from the original film and timeline.
1) The White Horse in Halloween 2 is merely a metaphor and symbolism. The horse is there to visualize the lost connection between Laurie Strode and her mother Deborah Myers and her brother Michael Myers. With around five minutes of screen time, the White Horse is not given much time in the first place to warrant the backlash.
2) Michael Myers talked in the first half of Rob Zombie’s first Halloween film. Knowing this, it shouldn’t be a surprise that he spoke again. The biggest problem that critics have is when they try to compare the Myers of the Zombie universe to that of the original canon. Doing so is a mistake from the get-go. Rob Zombie’s Halloween films take place in a completely different world and does so for a reason.
Rob Zombie’s Halloween legacy
Watching Rob Zombie’s Halloween films with fresh eyes might end up changing the minds of even its harshest critics. Those critics often unfairly place the former lead singer of White Zombie in a cinematic box. Despite this, the naysayers could do themselves a favor by giving it a second look as a sort of birthday gift to Zombie.