Michael Myers returned to the big screen, August 31, in a bigger, badder and bloodier remake of John Carpenter’s 1978 cult classic “Halloween.” If you have seen any of director Rob Zombie’s previous horror movies, you’ll be happy to know that this film is filled with Zombie’s signature still frames and a revamped script to make any horror movie fan squirm in their seats.

After getting permission from Carpenter himself, Zombie was told to “make it his own.” And that he did.

Although he spends a good chunk of the movie telling a back-story of how Michael became the way he is, and also sets up the connection between Michael and Laurie, it’s almost as though he spent too much time in the past, leaving the murders and story in present day to feel far too rushed. Zombie wanted to explain Myers’ evil, but definitely got no sympathy from the audience.

Scout Taylor-Compton takes over the role of teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, a role that made Jamie Lee Curtis a star, and the unofficial scream queen. Taylor-Compton gives Curtis a run for her money as her shrieks are loud enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. Returning to her roots is Danielle Harris, the lead screamer in both Halloween 4 and 5, who is mixing it up a bit by playing Laurie’s best friend and ultimate victim, Annie. And yes, Dr. Loomis is back as Myers’ psychologist and the only one smart enough to know what’s really going on.

Zombie stays true to the original for most of the movie and when it came to the murders of the unsuspecting victims. However, the surprise ending may make fans of the original a little upset. Rumors are already swirling around a sequel or two.

I guess you really can’t kill a horror movie villain.

Our rating: 2.5 stars out of possible 5.