by Sun Meilan

Created on: March 11, 2009

At the tender age of 6, Michael Myers calmly stabs his sister to death. Institutionalised, he shows no remorse. Fifteen years later, when he makes a break for freedom, psychiatrist Sam Loomis is deeply concerned, knowing that Michael will return to his childhood home of Haddonfield and will start to look for more victims. Michael does exactly this, but although Loomis follows him to Haddonfield, Michael still manages to keep himself hidden. In the meantime, he starts to stalk three teenage girls from the neighbourhood. Can Loomis convince the authorities to help him find Michael before it is too late?

I just about remember all the hype surrounding Halloween when it first came out, but was way too young to see it, so had to wait a few years. It was really my first introduction into horror films, and, at the time, it scared me to death. Many years later, after watching countless horrors, it doesn't seem anything like as scary, but for nostalgia purposes, it is hugely comforting. Of course, the special effects are not comparable with today's amazing efforts, but they are still vivid enough to do their job. And as it is claimed to be the first real slasher film, it is a must for any serious fan of horror.

As so often happens with this genre, the acting is not exactly top-notch. Sam Loomis is played by Donald Pleasence, who probably gives the best performance, although he doesn't feature in the film all that often. His story is more of a sub-plot than anything else - the main story features the teenagers, with occasional flashes to Loomis to remind us that Michael Myers is out there and intent on murdering. Pleasence exudes creepiness even though he is supposed to be on the side of good here. This is perfect casting, because it just adds to the general doom-laden atmosphere, and it makes the viewer doubt whether he is good enough to catch up with Myers.

This is Jamie Lee Curtis' first major film role. She plays Laurie, an ordinary, hard-working girl from an ordinary neighbourhood, who plays the plain jane compared to her far more out-going and sexually aware friends, Annie and Lynda. I can't say she really blew me away in the role, but she is good. There are some wooden lines, but, to be honest, I think this has more to do with the script that Jamie's abilities as an actress. Certainly, towards the end when she doesn't have all that much to say, but has to look terrified, she does really well. Her hairstyle is slightly off-putting - a seventies layered bob with bits

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