The Halloween movie that followed Halloween H20: 20 Years Later is Halloween: Resurrection, released in 2002. While H20 offered a seemingly definitive ending to the Michael Myers saga, Resurrection controversially resurrected the iconic killer and, in the eyes of many fans, severely damaged the franchise’s legacy.
The Controversial Return of Michael Myers
Halloween: Resurrection is infamous for its handling of the lore established in H20. The opening scene reveals that the Michael Myers who was decapitated by Laurie Strode at the end of H20 was actually a paramedic wearing Myers’ mask, a preposterous plot device to explain his survival. This twist immediately alienated a significant portion of the fanbase, who felt cheated out of a satisfying conclusion.
The movie then shifts its focus to a group of college students participating in a live internet broadcast inside Michael Myers’ childhood home. This premise, while attempting to modernize the slasher genre, felt forced and tonally inconsistent with the previous films. The film’s central narrative revolves around these students being stalked and killed by Michael Myers, leading to a final confrontation with Laurie Strode.
The critical reception of Halloween: Resurrection was overwhelmingly negative. Critics and fans alike criticized its weak plot, poor character development, and its perceived disrespect for the legacy of the Halloween franchise. The film’s box office performance, while respectable, was significantly lower than that of H20, further indicating its failure to resonate with audiences.
Why Did Resurrection Disappoint Fans?
Several factors contributed to the negative reception of Halloween: Resurrection. First and foremost, the retconning of Michael Myers’ death was a major point of contention. Fans felt that H20 provided closure to Laurie Strode’s story and that bringing Michael back in such a contrived manner undermined the emotional impact of the previous film.
Secondly, the found footage and reality TV elements felt out of place within the Halloween universe. While innovation in horror is often welcomed, the execution in Resurrection was widely considered clumsy and derivative, resembling a low-budget slasher film rather than a sophisticated continuation of a beloved franchise.
Finally, the treatment of Laurie Strode’s character was deeply unsatisfying for many. After decades of battling Michael Myers, her demise in the film’s opening act felt anticlimactic and disrespectful. While Jamie Lee Curtis agreed to appear in the film, she reportedly did so on the condition that Laurie Strode would be killed off, expressing her desire to finally end her association with the franchise.
The Film’s Legacy and Impact on the Franchise
Halloween: Resurrection is widely considered one of the worst entries in the Halloween franchise. Its negative reception contributed to a hiatus for the series, with future installments taking different approaches to continue the story. The film’s poor performance effectively discredited the continuity established by H20, opening the door for reboots and reimagining of the Michael Myers saga. The negative impact on the fanbase and the overall perception of the franchise cannot be overstated. Resurrection serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting established lore and character arcs when continuing a beloved horror franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the budget and box office gross of Halloween: Resurrection?
Halloween: Resurrection had a budget of approximately $14 million and grossed around $37.6 million at the domestic box office. While profitable, this was significantly less than the $55 million grossed by H20.
2. Who directed Halloween: Resurrection?
The film was directed by Rick Rosenthal, who also directed Halloween II (1981).
3. Who starred in Halloween: Resurrection?
The film starred Jamie Lee Curtis (as Laurie Strode), Busta Rhymes (as Freddie Harris), Bianca Kajlich (as Sara Moyer), Sean Patrick Thomas (as Rudy Grimes), and Brad Loree as Michael Myers.
4. Was Jamie Lee Curtis happy with her role in Halloween: Resurrection?
Reportedly, no. Jamie Lee Curtis agreed to appear in the film only if her character, Laurie Strode, was killed off. She felt that the character had reached the end of her story arc and expressed a desire to move on from the franchise.
5. What is the significance of the title “Halloween: Resurrection”?
The title refers to the resurrection of Michael Myers after his seemingly definitive death in Halloween H20. It also alludes to the idea of the franchise being resurrected after a period of dormancy.
6. How does Halloween: Resurrection fit into the overall Halloween timeline?
Halloween: Resurrection is the eighth installment in the Halloween film series. It serves as a direct sequel to Halloween H20, continuing the storyline of Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. However, subsequent films, such as Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) and the 2018 Halloween reboot, have disregarded this timeline.
7. What is the “Curse of Michael Myers” storyline, and how does it relate to Halloween: Resurrection?
The “Curse of Michael Myers” storyline, featured in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), introduced a supernatural element explaining Michael Myers’ motives and invincibility. Halloween H20 and Halloween: Resurrection attempted to ignore this storyline and return to a more grounded portrayal of Michael Myers.
8. What were some of the alternative endings considered for Halloween: Resurrection?
While specific details are scarce, some reports suggest that alternative endings were considered, including ones where Laurie Strode survived or where the live internet broadcast element played a more significant role. However, the final ending, which involved Laurie Strode’s death and Michael Myers’ survival, was ultimately chosen.
9. What are some of the common criticisms of Halloween: Resurrection?
Common criticisms include the implausible plot twist regarding Michael Myers’ survival, the poorly developed characters, the inconsistent tone, and the disrespectful treatment of Laurie Strode.
10. Did the success of Halloween: Resurrection influence future Halloween films?
No. Halloween: Resurrection’s poor reception led to a re-evaluation of the franchise’s direction. Subsequent films, such as Rob Zombie’s reboot and the 2018 Halloween, chose to disregard the events of Resurrection and H20, effectively resetting the timeline.
11. What is the consensus among Halloween fans regarding Halloween: Resurrection?
The consensus among Halloween fans is overwhelmingly negative. Halloween: Resurrection is widely considered one of the worst entries in the franchise and is often cited as a prime example of how to mishandle a beloved horror series.
12. Is Halloween: Resurrection considered canon in the current Halloween timeline?
No. The current Halloween timeline, beginning with the 2018 film, disregards all previous sequels, including Halloween H20 and Halloween: Resurrection. The 2018 film acts as a direct sequel to the original 1978 Halloween.