3 Reasons Why Halloween Ends Is The Perfect Conclusion to the Halloween Series!

The new ‘Halloween’ trilogy which started with 2018s ‘Halloween’ written by Danny McBride and David Gordon-Green (who also directed all 3 films) has been met with a mixed reception from both fans and critics. The first film was met with universal acclaim and a staggering $260 million gross at the worldwide box office, however both Halloween Ends and Halloween Kills didn’t receive the same reception, with both diminishing results at the box office and with fans and critics. ‘Halloween Ends’ takes the franchise in a completely new direction, introducing a new killer Corey Cunningham to really shake up the formula. This decision may not have worked for some, but I found the change to be welcome. This franchise gave us three very different movies and I’m very thankful for that fact, it would have been very easy for the franchise to go down a much simpler and familiar path. To celebrate ‘Halloween Ends’ arrival on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD this week, I will be breaking down three reasons as to why Halloween Ends is the perfect conclusion to this new trilogy. This is just MY opinion, and you may not agree. With all of that said, lets get stuck into it.

The End of an Era – the legacy of Michael Myers –

Michael Myers has become synonymous with a whole holiday and time of year. You can’t see the word ‘Halloween’ without seeing the William Shatner Star Trek/Michael Myers mask (fun fact – Michael Myers iconic mask is in fact, Captain Kirk himself) and hearing John Carpenter’s iconic score. ‘Halloween Ends’ does something wholly unique, with the focus taken away from Michael and Laurie’s story which has always been the driving force behind the series. Corey Cunningham is the focal point of this story. After a tragedy whilst babysitting on Halloween night. The message behind Coreys arc and story is to show that evil can in fact live on in other forms. I think this was a smart choice on the writer’s behalf, as we can see how evil can live on, outside of Michael Myers, leaving the door open for a franchise return down the road. In reality, whilst Michael was still menacing and quite terrifying, the reality is he in just a man, in his late 60’s. He can’t keep doing this forever. So, showing us that evil can still take many forms really worked here and truly does add to the legacy of Michael Myers.

Laurie’s Farewell – the powerhouse performance from Jamie Lee Curtis –

Even though this franchise has received a mixed reception with this latest trilogy, one thing that fans can agree on is just how damn good Jamie Lee Curtis is as Laurie Strode. It is easily one of, if not the, strongest elements of this recent Halloween trilogy. Jamie Lee Curtis has played this iconic film Scream Queen a total of 7 times to varying success, Halloween: Resurrection anyone? However, her portrayal of Laurie Strode as a damaged and broken woman in the last three Halloween films has been an inspired choice, making her one of the best characters in horror movies in recent years. Due to the complexities of her character and the cadence that Curtis brings to the role, Laurie has become a modern horror icon. 

The whole bloody affair - The Kills - 

A hallmark of any good horror/slasher film is the way that the kills are presented. The Halloween franchise has notoriously always bought us iconic kills. ‘Halloween Ends’ is no exception. Showing us some brutal kills that will even make seasoned horror veterans (such as myself), turn away from the screen. The kills all feel purposeful, showcasing both Corey and Michael’s lust to kill. Director David Gordon-Green never shy’s away from showing us the gruesome deaths, with each kill bloodier and more memorable than the last. If you’re a horror movie fan, than Halloween Ends will not disappoint in the kills department. 

‘Halloween Ends’ was one of the best horror films of 2022. It was clever, it subverted expectations and to me, it was the perfect conclusion of this new trilogy. If you’re sceptical because of the mixed reception from fans and critics alike, than give it a chance. You’ll either love or hate the direction but I think it’s worth the watch. ‘Halloween Ends’ can now be purchased on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD. Be sure to secure your copy today, you won’t want to miss this one. 

Buy Halloween Ends on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here