I saw both Halloween (1978) and Halloween II (1981) in one night, back when I watched them for the first time. I was a little worried going into it that it might not be as good, since people enjoy crapping all over sequels before giving them a fair shake, but I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Donald Pleasence's performance as Dr. Sam Loomis is just as legendary and memorable in this film as it was in the original. It's safe to say, in my opinion, that his role in these films was just as important (if not more important) as Michael Myers's.
This film picks up right where the original left off, only this time, we spend most of our time in a hospital. I think the setting for the hospital is very unique, but certainly could've been handled a little better. For one, it feels very, very empty. On one hand, I enjoy the emptiness of the hospital, because it adds another element of eeriness and suspense. But on the other hand, it does feel pretty unrealistic, even if Haddonfield is a small town.
Jamie Lee Curtis's role in this film is quite minimal. Not awful, but not good, either.
The budget was much larger with this film, and it definitely shows in certain scenes. The gore was also upped, which some people seem to gripe about, but I thoroughly enjoyed the goriness. I disagree that gore is a cheap way to get scares, and that it ruins suspense, like so many people here claim. You can have suspense and gore in the same film.
The ending is also very satisfying, both in plot and aesthetic. All in all, I suggest jumping straight into this film as soon as you finish the original. Easily the best double-feature you'll ever experience!
***
8/23/21: Watched with the audio commentary of director Rick Rosenthal and Leo Rossi.
It was just okay, honestly. These guys obviously have a good friendship but their chemistry doesn't make for very engaging conversation. Rick takes the lead a couple of times and points out a few interesting tidbits (such as when Loomis acquires the yellow lighter used at the end of the film; something I'd missed even with all my rewatches over the years) but they're few and far between. There are a lot of uncomfortable silences throughout that last way too long, and since the audio of the film is nearly silent, it can make for a dull experience. I know they're reliving the movie themselves, but this was pretty disappointing compared to some of the other commentaries I've watched recently.
Three may be a crowd, but it probably could've done wonders here. I believe there's a separate commentary with Dick Warlock; I'll be checking it out soon.
Donald Pleasence's performance as Dr. Sam Loomis is just as legendary and memorable in this film as it was in the original. It's safe to say, in my opinion, that his role in these films was just as important (if not more important) as Michael Myers's.
This film picks up right where the original left off, only this time, we spend most of our time in a hospital. I think the setting for the hospital is very unique, but certainly could've been handled a little better. For one, it feels very, very empty. On one hand, I enjoy the emptiness of the hospital, because it adds another element of eeriness and suspense. But on the other hand, it does feel pretty unrealistic, even if Haddonfield is a small town.
Jamie Lee Curtis's role in this film is quite minimal. Not awful, but not good, either.
The budget was much larger with this film, and it definitely shows in certain scenes. The gore was also upped, which some people seem to gripe about, but I thoroughly enjoyed the goriness. I disagree that gore is a cheap way to get scares, and that it ruins suspense, like so many people here claim. You can have suspense and gore in the same film.
The ending is also very satisfying, both in plot and aesthetic. All in all, I suggest jumping straight into this film as soon as you finish the original. Easily the best double-feature you'll ever experience!
***
8/23/21: Watched with the audio commentary of director Rick Rosenthal and Leo Rossi.
It was just okay, honestly. These guys obviously have a good friendship but their chemistry doesn't make for very engaging conversation. Rick takes the lead a couple of times and points out a few interesting tidbits (such as when Loomis acquires the yellow lighter used at the end of the film; something I'd missed even with all my rewatches over the years) but they're few and far between. There are a lot of uncomfortable silences throughout that last way too long, and since the audio of the film is nearly silent, it can make for a dull experience. I know they're reliving the movie themselves, but this was pretty disappointing compared to some of the other commentaries I've watched recently.
Three may be a crowd, but it probably could've done wonders here. I believe there's a separate commentary with Dick Warlock; I'll be checking it out soon.