NEW YORK – “Halloween Ends” (Universal)? Promises, promises.
Wrapping up a trilogy of installments that began with his 2018 reboot, director and co-writer David Gordon Green also brings to an ostensible conclusion the whole endlessly blood-soaked, 13-film franchise that reaches back to John Carpenter’s 1978 kick-off. But viewers of taste will be on their guard to see just how long this relief really lasts.
As she was in Green’s previous two movies, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), the series’ original heroine, is once again at center stage. Currently, she’s worried about her granddaughter Allyson’s (Andi Matichak) troubled new boyfriend, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell).
Having accidentally killed a young boy he was babysitting, Corey is the object of ongoing suspicion on the part of many. But Allyson views him sympathetically as a misunderstood outsider.
As Laurie’s fears grow that Corey may be giving way to the evil tendencies embodied, in their deadliest form, by Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) – the relentless, seemingly indestructible murderer who’s been preying on her since the days of disco – Green awakens some initial interest through a character study of the ethically confused lad. Is he a put-upon victim or a potential killer or, perhaps, both?
The script, on which Green collaborated with Paul Brad Logan, Chris Bernier and Danny McBride, also includes some humorous moments. Mainly, these involve the awkward mutual flirtation Laurie carries on with local police officer Frank Hawkins (Will Patton).
Eventually, however, there turn out to be more unintentionally funny interludes than deliberate jokes. Far more problematically, the last third of the proceedings is given over to the spectacle of a mindless, hideous rampage meant, by turns, to frighten the audience, gross it out and appeal to its basest instincts.
Let’s hope this decades-old ritual of autumnal cinematic bloodletting has indeed run its course.
Look for: A tentative exploration of morality. Look out for: Revolting gory violence, including mutilation, many grisly visuals, offscreen nonmarital sexual activity, about a half-dozen uses each of profanity and milder oaths, pervasive rough language and much crude talk.
The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is U – unsuitable for all. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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