HALLOWEEN 4 (DVD 1999)

The Good News: What an ending! That was easily the highlight of this fast-paced entry. It set up the premise of part five and got the last great moment of the movie. By now, Myers had become very Jason Voorhees-esquire in that no matter what was brought to bear on him, he would still survive. The fast pace makes the movie seem much shorter than it really is, and is misleading since the action flies fast and free. This movie generates several good shocks and in fact rarely misses, something unusual in horror movies. The opportunities are varied, but this movie still gets about 80% of the shocks it set up, quite a high number considering the low number of shocks in movies today. The movie also does something only the original took pride in doing; it decided suspense could go into a horror movie and make it work. True, this one of the bloodiest entry's, but suspense, at least for me, makes a horror movie. The first dream sequence brings this point up exactly. The sequence goes for several minutes, and Myers is never seen until the last thirty seconds. Shopping for the Halloween costume is also a nice display of suspense. Harris actually turns in a believable appearance, and so does the rest of the cast. Pleasance is still the shining light in the cast, but the rest do respectable jobs for the genre. Also, the large cast allows for many killings, and the gore is nicely done.

The Bad News: The stupidity of the town's people over Myers. If they didn't learn anything from the first two movies, then they should be killed. So much convincing on the part of Loomis is needed to get them to move into action that it nearly detracts from the movie. Several cast members could have thrown out for uselessness, as they just seem to wander around with giant target signs on their backs.
Final Verdict: Almost a perfect movie. Combines a fast pace with suspense, gore, some humorous lines, and a feeling of enjoyment. Perfect for any occasion of horror movie buff.