Halloween (2018) is satisfactory, providing good pacing and relevant messages about obsession and self-control. Curtis elevates her material, delivering a loving core under an unhinged exterior. This fuels believable relationship drama with her family. Plus, Myers is intimating and properly utilized as a looming force. Unfortunately, the other characters are excessive, muddling the narrative. Furthermore, the dialogue gets obvious, the humor is annoying, the plot twist is mostly pointless, and the ending lacks resolution to tie up emotions and meaning. Still, because Halloween recontextualizes tropes, gives its main characters purpose, and makes attempts at themes, it is worthwhile.
Technically, Halloween is engaged. Its tone is imperfect but builds tension well. The visuals use lighting, angles, movement, continuation, mounts, and reflections to create atmosphere. The editing employs smash cuts, match cuts, inserts, jump cuts, and intercuts for psychological intensity. Also, its sound brings split cuts, diegetic layering, emphasis, silence, echoes, and stings. Sometimes these aspects are overdone, convoluted, or repetitive, but they're generally effective. Meanwhile, the music builds on the iconic score, the mask design remains ideal, and the gore is impactful. Overall, Halloween adds proficient filmmaking and refreshing character drama to a lifeless franchise.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 5/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.3/10
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