10 Horror Movie Sequels That Deserve A Second Chance
6. Halloween II ( 1981)
It’d be foolish to expect any Halloween sequel to match the genre-defining genius of John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s 1978 original. Yet, no other follow-up faced as much pressure to do exactly that as 1981’s Rick Rosenthal-directed Halloween II.
Over the decades, Halloween II has become more beloved; nevertheless, it’s still underappreciated and overly criticized.
Primarily, it does an excellent job of retaining the continuity and atmosphere of its forerunner (so much so that the two titles could be edited together to create a single three-hour movie). Yes, Halloween II adheres to the bloodiness of the booming slasher subgenre, but it still maintains the original’s eeriness and subtlety.
By and large, principal figures Michael Myers, Dr. Loomis, and Laurie Strode feel the same as they did before, too. Plus, there’s real emotion to Sheriff Brackett’s reaction to the demise of his daughter, Annie, following the events of Halloween. Across its runtime, the movie features some top-notch kills as well - Nurse Bailey being submerged in the therapy tub, Myers’ fiery defeat, etc.
Is Halloween II as incredible as Halloween? Of course not. Is it a commendably faithful and fitting expansion of the Strode/Loomis/Myers saga? Without a doubt, yes.