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‘Halloween Ends’ Blu-ray review

One of the biggest horror franchises in history comes to an(other) end with the trilogy capper from David Gordon Green, a departure in proceedings from previous outings, and an early twist in the tale taking things in an intriguing new direction.

Some five years ago or so, it was revealed that a brand new Halloween trilogy was on the way, one that would ignore every other movie in the series bar the outstanding 1978 original. I remember being in Toronto to see the first of those new movies back in late 2018 and was actually quite pleased with how the return of Laurie Strode – the original ‘final girl’ – was handled. The first ‘sequel’ in this new series would have perhaps been better if it had been a stand-alone; a definitive end to the franchise, but two further movies were delivered as promised. Halloween Kills premiered at another prestigious festival, Venice, in 2021, and was met with far from glowing reviews, a very violent if unscary offering. This final chapter is a slight improvement, its diversion the most interesting element.

We kick off proceedings on Halloween 2019, twenty-something Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell) babysitting little brat Jeremy somewhere in Haddonfield, the stomping ground of Michael Myers/ aka The Shape who has disappeared. The evening ends in disaster and the young man finds himself in hot water and, when we fast forward a few years after the catastrophic event, we see him still villainised in local society, especially among his peers.

Laurie Strode is also still living in Haddonfield (why?!!!) but is writing a memoir. She’s living with her granddaughter, Allyson, who is now working as a nurse. Allyson takes a shine to the reclusive Corey, and the two go out on a date. The two united kicks off a chain of events that obviously sees an eventual final showdown between Myers and Strode, some 45 years in the making.

So, the big question is – is it a definitive, satisfying ending? Well, yes. Is there anything especialy new on offer. Well, no. Is it scary? Not really. It is more of the same and save that new element to proceedings, it is largely what you expect it to be. There are jump scares, a few kills – though not as much this time around – and the climax you crave, too, and when you get there, it’s again, familiar territory that does pull it off, yet again. Just without the fear or constant forboding that original did and still does so well.

Extras on the release include a bunch of behind the scenes featurettes; ‘Final Gir;’, which discusses the legacy of Laurie Strode, led by the actor who has portrayed her for over four decades, Jamie Lee Curtis. There’s also ‘No Place Like Haddonfield’ and ‘Ending Halloween’, both clocking in at around eight minutes, and threemore, ;A Different Threat, ‘Visions of Terror’ and ‘Twisted Deaths’ all of which add up to another 15 minutes. There is also a brief gag reel. There are extended and deleted scenes and a feature commentary from David Gordon Green, actors Andi Matchak and Rohan Campbell, and other filmakers – though sadly no Jamie Lee Curtis.

A worthy release extras-wise for a film which slots in as decent, if a little bit unremarkable instalment in an the groundbreaking franchise.

Halloween Ends is out now on digital, 4K UHD, BLU-RAY and DVD.

Halloween Ends

Paul Heath

Film
Bonus Material

Summary

A sweet plot evolution and great finale make this a worthy, if about-par movie in the long-running horror franchise.

3

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