Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

THE GIST: After her brother Michael Myers tried unsuccessfully to kill her, Laurie Strode faked her death, changed her name, and moved to California to try and live a normal life. Twenty years later, now a successful headmistress at a private school, she still fears being tracked down by her brother, which torments her and causes strains in her relationship with her teenage son, John. Alas, Michael does find out that she's still alive and sets out to find her and kill her.

It's been twenty years since the original Halloween came onto the scene, and while it was a decent horror film, none that followed it were worthy successors.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later tries to rectify that by effectively ignoring episodes three to six. This sequel only considers the two chapters that featured Jamie Lee Curtis, who finally gets top billing.

Curtis really is the best thing about the film, which still includes its fair share of over-the-top occurrences, like Michael suddenly resurfacing (where's been for 20 years? In the woods??), knowing precisely where he can find the paperwork that details Laurie's history and whereabouts (what an excellent detective for a catatonic half-demon!), and easily making his way cross-country with stolen vehicles and no issues whatsoever (never needing food, or gas, or a bathroom break, and never, ever raising any suspicions or unwanted attention by wearing that creepy mask).

Naturally, there are still plenty of victims between Michael and his prey, and many die in predictable ways, but that's par for the course at this point. Still, Curtis this time isn't the helpless and scared little girl who first faced Michael twenty years ago. Ultimately, the decision to make her fight back is what saves the movie from ignominy.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Well, finally Halloween gets a worthy sequel that's at least as good as it was. Do watch this chapter in the franchise, because it's actually decent.

Grade: 6