Is Halloween (2007) a Worthy Remake?

Evil returns to Haddonfield tonight.

Halloween is a 2007 remake of the cult-favorite 1978 classic. Showing the backstory of Michael Myers’ origin in madness, he escapes from the asylum after 15 years. On the prowl in Haddonfield, Myers stalks Laurie Strode on an unforgettable and deadly Halloween night.

My opinion on the remake of the iconic 1978 horror film is surprisingly different from how fans reacted. On the contrary, the remake has repulsive characters, perverse language, and over-sexualization, however, at least the remake attempts to do something different.

Did we need to see Michael Myers’ backstory? No, but it’s still something different. His expanded past gave the iconic character more depth. Humanizing Myers distracts us from the cold killer persona. Daeg Faerch did a great job switching from innocent to menacing as young Michael Myers. As the menacing monster with a bleak stare, Tyler Mane is terrifying.

I love Scout Taylor-Compton as Laurie Strode. She brought a new flair to the character and gave Laurie a different personality. In this version, Laurie is goofier but stays true to herself. Taylor-Compton mastered hysteria, shrieking a realistic scream (several times) in the climax.

I have mixed opinions about Malcolm McDowell as Sam Loomis. Of course, it’s a good idea to give characters a new interpretation but it’s amazing how this film got made with McDowell’s involvement. Watch the bloopers and you’ll see what I mean.

Casting choices for the remake brought on several debates among audiences. Sheri Moon Zombie is excellent as Debra Myers. Her performance deserves as much praise as anyone. Recognize Sheriff Lee Brackett’s voice? That is Brad Dourif, the voice of Chucky. Danny Trejo and Dee Wallace also have small (but memorable) roles.

Another iconic horror actress from the Halloween franchise is in the remake. Danielle Harris who played Jamie Lloyd plays Annie Brackett. Similar to the original Halloween, Harris and Kristina Klebe (Linda) were in their 20s playing teenagers while Taylor-Compton was in her teens. I liked the friendship between the three girls.

The negative aspects of the film aside, Rob Zombie did a great job filming sequences, especially recreating as little as possible from the original. The first half rehashes Michael Myer’s life while the second half of the film recaptures the original story.

Zombie’s direction is questionable in casting choices, awful characters, and story elements. Not even five minutes in and characters shout the nastiest language at one another. This movie is so vile to listen to. Michael Myers’ home life was not a good one, I can tell you that. Excessive nudity is unnecessary. Actors voiced how uncomfortable they were doing it.

The remake ups the violence from the original. The film is very bloody and violent. With his signature knife in hand, Michael brutally kills several people. Or he’d severely bludgeon people against a wall or hold their heads underwater drowning them.

The last half hour of Halloween (2007) is scary and intense. Zombie did a good job filming this sequence. Michael chases Laurie through the neighborhood and the walls of her house. The chase goes on too long.

However, Zombie has voiced his unhappiness with the remake as he did not have much of a say in his vision. I have seen the 2009 sequel and it is so nightmarish and repugnant. Avoid watching Halloween II (2009).

I don’t dislike Halloween (2007) entirely because its attempts at adding different story aspects made it stand out for me. If you have not seen Halloween see the original before the remake. The original is a better viewing experience.