Halloween III: Season of the Witch

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Halloween 2017

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Screening Suggestion

If you're a fan of that infamous horror slasher Michael Myers, then you MIGHT view 'Halloween III' as the WTF movie that never should have been. But should it really be disregarded so quickly and easily?

Believe it or not, the 'Halloween' series was actually supposed to be a sort of anthology series, covering a different Halloween story with each chapter. The first two kicked it off as a two-parter, obviously both portraying Michael Myers, or as he was known back then, "The Shape". But unbeknownst to filmmakers John Carpenter and Deborah Hill, Michael Myers would quickly become a massive fan favorite, pretty much paving the way for the slasher horror of the 80s. He predates Freddy, Jason, Chucky, just about any horror icon you can think of, really. So by the time 'Halloween III' did come out, Myers was a huge name for the genre, and it was understandably a disappointment for the fans.

Instead, the film centers on Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins) who, one night, witnesses a rather robot-looking murder-suicide in his hospital. The victim was holding a Halloween mask, labelled "Silver Shamrock", so he and the victim's daughter, Ellie Grimbridge (Stacey Nelkin) go on their own little investigation to the Silver Shamrock factory. What they eventually uncover is a plot set up by a madman that will endanger the lives of many happy children, worldwide.

Let's make one thing perfectly clear before I get into WHY I'm recommending this movie - I pretty much agree with the fact that, on the whole, this isn't exactly a good movie. It's full of cheesy acting, unlikable characters, bad dialogue, and of course that God forsaken "However Many More Says 'Til Halloween" song. This is the kind of movie I'm recommending for Halloween solely because it's simply not without some genuinely creepy horror aspects.

The highlights of the film come from a few different areas. First, the deaths themselves are quite gruesome and all at once creepy. Then there's the villain, Conal Cochran (Dan O'Herlihy) giving a pretty magnificent performance, namely with his monologue about Halloween. Lastly, the film just ends on a great note that let's you know "it's not over"

So, while I recommend this title for a bit of fun watching this Halloween, do keep in mind that I'm recommending this to a select few, and not just anyone. If you really love Halloween, get into the whole spirit of the holiday, and at the same time enjoy good-bad movies, then I feel like this could warrant a pretty pleasant surprise for you. If you simply can't take the idea of a 'Halloween' film without Michael Myers, no harm, no foul. It's pretty understandable. But if watched with the right mindset, 'Season of the Witch' can certainly be a fun and spooky, albeit cheesy ride.

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