Halloween II

In 1981, Carpenter had his hands full with Escape from New York, so he passed the baton of the franchise along with his script to Rick Rosenthal. As a debutant, Rosenthal sometimes had to take inspiration from his teacher (the play with lights and shadows, the use of music, the first-person view), but in terms of suspense, he is able to boldly match Carpenter. Never mind the nagging thoughts about the overly empty hospital or Michael's stamina. Anyone who doesn't get the chills while standing by newborns or taking a hot bath is a major bore. 4 ½. (07/29/2007)

Halloween II could be seen as an extension of the first, if only because it takes place right after it. This time the action moves to a hospital, which is always a rewarding place for horror films. I liked the first half better, it doesn't lack suspense, even the simple but all the more iconic theme song works the second time around. But in the second half, which was also suspenseful, there certain illogical, even silly moments that began to bother me. Mike Myers is overly resistant (he clearly doesn't mind boiling water) and Laurie crawls or runs around as she sees fit. I understand that this is supposed to be a B-movie slasher from a time when the line between the living and the dead is at its narrowest, but everything in moderation when it comes to the (in)mortality of some of the characters. (03/31/2020)

The script has its flaws. There are shortcomings that are associated with the need to maintain tension and let the character Myers reach the end, but at the same time there are moments that will completely captivate and astonish you. The killing is much more inventive than before and Michael uses everything that comes handy to him. He is cruel, unstoppable, and that's where his strength lies. A sequel that did not meet the fate of most others, and is at least as good as the first film. (07/02/2014)