I did get the chance yesterday to check out the new Rob Zombie shock fest HALLOWEEN 2 and I have to say all things considered he did a fine job putting together a decent sequel considering the time constraints on the film. Zombie had less than a year to write, direct, and edit the film in order to get it into theaters for a proposed release date of August 28. Another film that was famously put together in such a manner was Terminator 2. Of course, the end result of T2 was quote impressive. With Zombie’s film, we get a solid effort that has its merits and its flaws. Personally, the Dr. Loomis character added little to the film in this venture and the ghostly imagery of Michael’s mother did not really work for me. What did work was the realism in the film. Yes, this is a hyper-violent venture that many will find disturbing. However, it reflects a realism that is does not try and glorify the main villain. One of the absolute worst aspects of the 1980s horror films was the slow decent of the villains into comedy characters. Not only did such an approach not work it turned the entire horror franchise on its ear and killing the genre for over a decade. Zombie’s serious approach – and the financial success of it – ensures there is still a market for edgy, serious horror movies that go for the rawest of emotions. Zombie has announced he will be directed a remake – of all things THE BLOB – as his next feature. The Halloween franchise will continue with a new director and the third outing will be in 3-D. ============================================================================================