#JibrailNantambu

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my Halloween 🎃 movie marathon...Halloween (2018) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #Halloween #halloween11 #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #lauriestrode #jamieleecurtis #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #dylanarnold #nickcastle #JudyGreer #WillPatton #halukbilginer #pjsoles #OmarJDorsey #jibrailnantambu #DIVATYLER #drewscheid #MichaelSmallwood #CarmelaMcNeal #milesrobbins #VirginiaGardner #rhianrees #JeffersonHall #meenopeluce #TobyHuss #vincemattis #2010s #bluray

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : Halloween (2018)

When the trailers first dropped for the 2018 “reboot” to Halloween, I found myself excited and intrigued in-spite of the fact that I’ve only watched a small handful of the many Halloween films.  As I learned more about the project, such as its connection to the entire narrative through-line, or names like David Gordon Green, Danny McBride or Jason Blum tied to the production, the intrigue deepened, and yet for whatever reason (and par for the Chief Doomsday course), I never got around to checking out the movie.  With 2021 bringing Halloween Kills to the table, it felt wrong to try move forward without checking out what seemed like a very important step in the Halloween canon, so I gave myself a viewing of Halloween 2018.

With such a rich backstory to work from (and a clear fan-based approach coming from the writing team), it’d be foolish to toss it all to the side, but the way that this 2018 installment keeps itself tethered to the original Babysitter Murders that kicked off the entire legacy is brilliant.  From the opening moments of the film, Michael Myers is positioned as a goliath figure, and he is given nothing but respect-based fear and fascination from all of the in-world characters, so much so to the point that it breaks the fourth wall and matches our respect for Myers as a horror icon.  His silent demeanor, laser-like focus and seemingly unstoppable nature are all channeled into an enhanced portrayal in this film, making him proportionally terrifying in order to fit the times despite the fact that he has aged, which almost gives him a monster-like presence that spits in the face of reality.  The film also works by updating all of the minutia of the world to fit the times, such as technology and the way that people communicate with one another, while leaving the the important and timeless aspects of the film in tow : the root carnal natures of fear, sex and murder that make the supporting trifecta of not only the Halloween series, but nearly all of the iconic horror genre staples that followed in its wake.

That being said, the film stays interesting by being deeply self-aware of itself as a reboot and update of sorts, so while it does respect the source material, and important part of its modern sensibility is found in the way that it makes choices that would mirror those of season horror veterans.  Laurie Strode stands as the starkest example of this, having fully transitioned herself from a scream queen and a Final Girl to a full-fledged survivalist with a deep knowledge of weapons, battleground positioning, and most importantly, an awareness of the capabilities of her enemy.  Where this is most interesting, however, is when the same sensibilities pop up in characters like Deputy Hawkins (who would also be aware of the Michael Myers threat) or Julian (who trusts his instincts and reacts accordingly), as it allows the film to maintain itself in a place that mirrors the Babysitter Murders era while also allowing at least some characters to exist outside of a “lambs to the slaughter” context.  Self-referential moments are also a nice touch, like Michael Myers straight-lining his way to a kitchen knife, or Laurie referring to Dr. Sartain as “the new Loomis”.

The way that director David Gordon Green is able to mix a 1970s sensibility with a modern day aesthetic helps the film in terms of its direct sequel status to the 1978 classic by keeping a similar low-budget look while updating the visual quality to that of the digital era, much like the story picks up after an identical gap of time.  The colors are rich enough to pop and be distinct, but the finished look has a flattened approach, eliminating some of the color vibrancy in order to attain a pulp look.  The initial presentation and eventual reveal of Michael Myers is given all of the reverence and gravitas it deserves, giving viewers a true chill when he is finally revealed in his familiar form.  The score goes from being a simple, energy-driven earworm with iconic status to a nuanced set of takes with personality and dynamics, all tied together by the familiar notes we’ve come to associate with the Halloween franchise.  The special effects and kill make-up are all effective and impactful, and they are realistic enough to shock without crossing over into the realms of the grotesque.  

Jamie Lee Curtis gives a riveting, pain-filled performance, channeling the horrors of the original film into an agoraphobic, unstable character awaiting the day that she can unburden herself from her tangible ghost.  Rhian Rees and Jefferson Hall stand out as a literal foreign element to the film, but from their fringe perspective, those new to the series are given fast-tracked insight to the extended lore, while those deeper into the fandom are given a sort of voice in the narrative they can directly relate to... their performances are also very much expressive and alive as they lean into the classic horror performance tropes with deeply dramatic chops.  As always, Judy Greer channels deeply human and relatable energy in her performance as an adult trying to find a well-adjusted nature after a childhood tainted by terror, holding off the ghosts of her past while trying to maintain a relationship with a daughter threatening estrangement.  Speaking of, Andi Matichak tunes in to the teenage angst of simplifying problems, particularly the relationship between Laurie and Karen, and turning them into the center of her world while refusing to try and understand any side other than her own.  Will Patton brings an old-school energy to the film that stands as a sort of yang to Laurie’s updated and deeply prepared yin, as he is clearly aware of the Michael Myers threat while being deeply underprepared for it, as his life has not been all-consumed by it.  James Jude Courtney brings a dominating, imposing presence to his performance of the classic Michael Myers, and with a little assistance from Nick Castle, the terror is embodied properly while feeling appropriate for the modern approach.  Performances by Haluk Bilginer, Toby Huss, Virginia Gardner, Dylan Arnold, Miles Robbins, a scene stealing Jibrail Nantambu and a handful of others also stand out.

I’d heard nothing but good things about this film since day one, and it’s a shame that I didn’t take the time to see this film in theaters.  I knew that I would enjoy it going into it, but even with a primed approach, I was still wowed by Halloween 2018.  I am very happy that I decided to watch this one before jumping into Halloween Kills, as I am now more excited than ever for this Halloween-appropriate double feature.

[pvdhorror]

My kids were able to meet the man that stole the show in Halloween 2018 @jibrailnantambu . My daughter said “look it’s the kid from The new Halloween, I want to tell him he’s a good actor”. . . . . #horror #horroraddict #horrormovies #horrorhound #horrorcollector #horrorfilms #horrorfanatic #horrorjunkie #horrorfamily #horrorlover #horrorobsessed #horrorfan #horrorclub #horrorlife #pvdhorror #monstermaniacon #monstermania #halloween2018 #halloween #michealmyers (at Monster Mania Convention) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu2C9qoFLqn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ayp4735iu0am

[theqgentleman]

Learn more about @JibrailNantambu, the hilarious breakout star from #Halloween2018Movie! 📸 @WeatherallPhotography | #TheQuintessentialGentleman https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpj5jvGn200/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tgeezjjkdj1l

[duranduratulsa]

Now showing on DuranDuranTulsa's Horror Show...Halloween Ends (2022) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #halloween #HalloweenEnds #halloween13 #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #lauriestrode #jamieleecurtis #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #RohanCampbell #KyleRichards #nickcastle #WillPatton #micheledawson #DIVATYLER #jaxongoldenberg #OmarJDorsey #MichaelOLeary #jibrailnantambu #bluray #2020s #durandurantulsa #durandurantulsashorrorshow

[duranduratulsa]

Now showing on DuranDuranTulsa's Horror Show...Halloween Kills (2021) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #halloween #halloween12 #HalloweenKills #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #jamieleecurtis #lauriestrode #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #dylanarnold #nickcastle #JudyGreer #WillPatton #anthonymichaelhall #KyleRichards #nancystephens #CarmelaMcNeal #donaldpleasence #ripdonaldpleasance #CharlesCyphers #TonyMoran #pjsoles #DIVATYLER #scottmacarthar #NANCYKYES #NancyLoomis #OmarJDorsey #lennyclarke #RobertLongstreet #jibrailnantambu #MichaelSmallwood #michaelmcdonald #halukbilginer #drewscheid #2020s #bluray #durandurantulsa #durandurantulsashorrorshow

[duranduratulsa]

Now showing on DuranDuranTulsa's Horror Show...Halloween (2018) on amazing blu-ray! #halloween #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #jamieleecurtis #lauriestrode #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #dylanarnold #nickcastle #JudyGreer #WillPatton #halukbilginer #pjsoles #OmarJDorsey #jibrailnantambu #DIVATYLER #drewscheid #MichaelSmallwood #CarmelaMcNeal #MilesRobbins #VirginiaGardner #rhianrees #TobyHuss #JeffersonHall #vincentmattis #briengeorgie #2010s #bluray #durandurantulsa #durandurantulsashorrorshow

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my Halloween 🎃 movie marathon...Halloween Ends (2022) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #Halloween #halloween13 #HalloweenEnds #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #lauriestrode #jamieleecurtis #jamesjudecourtney #nickcastle #KyleRichards #RohanCampbell #andimatichak #WillPatton #DIVATYLER #OmarJDorsey #jibrailnantambu #jaxongoldenberg #MichaelOLeary #2020s #bluray

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my Halloween 🎃 movie marathon...Halloween Kills (2021) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #Halloween #halloween12 #HalloweenKills #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #lauriestrode #jamieleecurtis #jamesjudecourtney #nickcastle #JudyGreer #WillPatton #anthonymichaelhall #KyleRichards #nancystephens #CarmelaMcNeal #CharlesCyphers #ripcharlescyphers #dylanarnold #andimatichak #DIVATYLER #scottmacarthar #donaldpleasence #ripdonaldpleasance #bobodenkirk #RobertLongstreet #NancyLoomis #NANCYKYES #TonyMoran #drewscheid #MichaelSmallwood #OmarJDorsey #jibrailnantambu #lennyclarke #halukbilginer #pjsoles #michaelmcdonald #tristianeggerling #shanedonovanlewis #2020s #bluray

[duranduratulsa]

Now showing on my Halloween Kills (2021) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #halloween #HalloweenKills #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #jamieleecurtis #lauriestrode #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #dylanarnold #nickcastle #JudyGreer #WillPatton #anthonymichaelhall #KyleRichards #nancystephens #DonaldPleasence #ripdonaldpleasance #michaelmcdonald #TonyMoran #CharlesCyphers #NANCYKYES #NancyLoomis #CarmelaMcNeal #ScottMacArthur #lennyclarke #jibrailnantambu #drewscheid #RobertLongstreet #pjsoles #DIVATYLER #tristianeggerling #OmarJDorsey #2020s #bluray

[duranduratulsa]

Now showing on my Halloween 🎃 movie 🎥 marathon...Halloween (2018) on amazing blu-ray! #movie #movies #horror #halloween #johncarpenter #michaelmyers #theshape #jamieleecurtis #lauriestrode #andimatichak #jamesjudecourtney #dylanarnold #nickcastle #JudyGreer #VirginiaGardner #WillPatton #halukbilginer #jibrailnantambu #OmarJDorsey #drewscheid #MilesRobbins #pjsoles #CarmelaMcNeal #JeffersonHall #TobyHuss #rhianrees #vincemattis #2010s #bluray