Halloween H2O (1998)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  Why do they keep making these?

• Tim S

  
  Now we come to a horror series that, in my opinion, long overstayed its welcome in the sequel and remake department. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later is probably one of the best attempts at a true sequel while at the same time being entertaining in and of itself. This time around, we get… More
  Now we come to a horror series that, in my opinion, long overstayed its welcome in the sequel and remake department. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later is probably one of the best attempts at a true sequel while at the same time being entertaining in and of itself. This time around, we get to know Laurie Strode (who has been in hiding) and her son, spending time in their lives before the eventual build-up to the clash between Laurie and Michael. Unfortunately, this film feels very tired and doesn't really bring anything new to the table. Despite bringing back Michael's sister, it feels weak. Michael isn't all that interesting in this one either and, to be fair, hasn't really been so since the original film. This is also yet another retroactive sequel that takes place after the events of the first two films and ignores sequels 4-6. This could have been a great opportunity to tie together the contuinity of the series for a change, but they screwed the pooch on that and made the selling point and ultimate focus of the film the battle between Laurie and Michael. The murders aren't all that interesting, the score is pretty lame and the overall length of the movie feels much shorter than it actually is. It's not too bad, but it could have benefitted from a little more bloodshed, a bit more of a build-up, a better actor to play Michael and a better continuity for the series as a whole. I have a feeling that someone should have taken this away from Moustapha Akkad early on and this series wouldn't have been such a mess, but oh well. It's ok for what it is, but like most of these movies, it could've been better.

• moon r

  
  Michael Myers is dead, right? Crazy psycho murdering sociopath ... they killed him in the last one, right? It's been 20 years! Scream queen Jaime Lee returns to scream, er, bloody murder again (her mom, Janet Lee, famous for some other obscure scream rite of passage, along for… More
  Michael Myers is dead, right? Crazy psycho murdering sociopath ... they killed him in the last one, right? It's been 20 years! Scream queen Jaime Lee returns to scream, er, bloody murder again (her mom, Janet Lee, famous for some other obscure scream rite of passage, along for the ride) and it is ever so ... that guy is dead, right?

• Eric A

  
  Gave the series a breathe of some fresh air, but still fell short due to its cheesiness.

• Melvin W

  
  John: If you want to stay handcuffed to your dead brother, that's fine. But your not dragging me along. Not anymore.  "Blood is thicker than Water." Halloween H2O takes place 20 years after the events that occurred in the first two films. Laurie Strode has left… More
  John: If you want to stay handcuffed to your dead brother, that's fine. But your not dragging me along. Not anymore.  "Blood is thicker than Water." Halloween H2O takes place 20 years after the events that occurred in the first two films. Laurie Strode has left Illinois, changed her name, had a son and is now running a private school in California. It's actually a fairly good sequel considering it is... what, the 7th; I think. It has a pretty good opening with a cool cameo from a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Josh Hartnett makes his film debut, as many actors do, in a slasher. He plays John, the son of Laurie, basically like he will play every role from there on out.  The movie is basically a balance between the extremely stupid and the pretty cool. Let's start with some of the stupid. LL Cool J as a security guard slash wannabe romantic writer. He's bad, like you'd expect. Then there's Michael, who doesn't look all that menacing and an ending that really was in no way satisfying. I see what they were trying to go for, but I didn't buy it. Then the cool. Janet Leigh makes an appearance in the film as Norma. It's cool to see her acting alongside her daughter in a sequel to a movie that was inspired by a movie she stared in 38 years before this movie. There's also a couple references to Psycho in the dialogue. Johns friend tells him he is going toned up living with his mom forever and running a motel in the middle of nowhere.  The movie is extremely short which normally isn't a bad quality for a slasher, but with this one I wish it had some more length in the middle. It has a cool start and a decent lead up, but the Michael Myers area felt rushed. They should have added about 10 minutes in there.  Overall though the movie was a lot better than I expected it to be. I liked that they just went back and followed up after the first two and threw out the last few. It's made by a less than original or talented director in Steve Minor. The guy made a few of the Friday the 13th's, so that should give you some sort of idea about him. So I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate this. It's not as good the second film and there's no reason comparing it to the original, but after the last two in the series; this was a pretty good addition.

• Jeff "

  
  In my opinion, Halloween H20 should have been the third installment in the series; it's the truest sequel that keeps in the tradition of the first two. In this one we fast forward 20 years after the events of the first film, Laurie Strode is a teacher of a private school, living… More
  In my opinion, Halloween H20 should have been the third installment in the series; it's the truest sequel that keeps in the tradition of the first two. In this one we fast forward 20 years after the events of the first film, Laurie Strode is a teacher of a private school, living under an assumed name and living in fear of her brother's return. H20 has a teen horror vibe to it, but it works so well that you forget about it. It's definitely better than most of the teen Horror films released in that period and is simply a stunning, original film that returns to the roots of the first two Halloween films. The film is complimented by a good dose of scares and violence; this is the best of all the sequels. H20 should have been the end of a great franchise; however this "final" entry was not the last. They made the awful Halloween: Resurrection. H20 for me, at least will always be seen as THE final chapter in the Halloween saga. The idea behind this film is very engaging. I really enjoyed Jamie Lee Curtis in this film. Also I really enjoyed the fact that Steve Miner (director of Friday The 13th, 2, 3) directed this. Halloween H20 is a terrific, underrated film that really should get more praise. Halloween H20 is for me, at least the real end to the saga. Watch it, and decide for yourself. This is a good film that shouldn't get rejected by fans of the series. If you ask me, Halloween: Resurrection is the one to criticize.

• Steven C

  
  "Halloween: H20 - 20 Years Later" is the true part 3 to the Michael Myers saga. The many films to feature the character (they number 10 in total) are mostly nonsense, but at least this picture actually tries to accomplish something. Brining back Laurie (a good Jamie Lee… More
  "Halloween: H20 - 20 Years Later" is the true part 3 to the Michael Myers saga. The many films to feature the character (they number 10 in total) are mostly nonsense, but at least this picture actually tries to accomplish something. Brining back Laurie (a good Jamie Lee Curtis) into the mix was the correct thing to do. In fact, they even make the character believable. I like everything they did with the story here but unfortunately it's far too little. The film barely runs 80 minutes rendering the interesting aspects of the story vague. But against it's own sabotage it strangely succeeds. It may not be deep but it's brisk and fun and it's nice to see a conclusion to the Michael and Laurie story. (Ignore every wretched sequel besides this one.)

• Chris W

  
  One of the best sequels in the series, and one of the only ones that justifies existing. If I had my way, there only would have been one film- the first. If I really had my way, It would be the first two, but with the second one being slightly better than it is. If I had total… More
  One of the best sequels in the series, and one of the only ones that justifies existing. If I had my way, there only would have been one film- the first. If I really had my way, It would be the first two, but with the second one being slightly better than it is. If I had total control it would just be the first two, and this, with all of them being brilliant pieces of entertaining art. SInce none of that is possible, I'll just pretend like it's true. This is a good sequel, and it does a lot of things right. It wisely ignores part 3-6, delivers tons of fan service, has a satisfying premise, and ends on a perfect note. Why the hell a sequel came after this is beyond me. That said sequel ruined the perfect ending to this one is just abysmal. The plotting and script aren't great, and this definitely caters to a contemporary audience, but the performances are pretty good, I like some of the kills, and yeah, the fina lshowdown is just awesome. I like the in-jokes too, but that's just because I'm a film nerd (and proud).

• jd c

  
  Halloween H20 is my fifth favorite in the series. It's a very brutal entry (that leg scene made me cringe, and the ice skate in the face...priceless!). Kevin Williamson (writer of Scream) produced this (and although he didn't write it), it still had a "Scream" like… More
  Halloween H20 is my fifth favorite in the series. It's a very brutal entry (that leg scene made me cringe, and the ice skate in the face...priceless!). Kevin Williamson (writer of Scream) produced this (and although he didn't write it), it still had a "Scream" like quality to it. It was during the re-birth of teen horror when this was released, and remains one of the best teen slashers of it's time (Scream being the granddaddy of teen horror). Halloween H20 is both creepy and violent. It's almost just as violent as The Curse of Michael Myers. H20 isn't heavy on atmosphere, and it doesn't quite catch the "Halloween-y" feel like it's previous entries (other than part 5), but it still manages to still up many chills, has good action, and a clever script followed by some great performances. I didn't like Michael Myer's mask in this one, it looked like he was sort of goofy. But when it came to kills he was certainly unforgiving, which sort of made up for it. H20 is the second well best acted in series (the original being the best). It also has a pretty good soundtrack ("What's This Life For" by Creed is one of the movie's most memorable songs). If you grew up during the "Scream" days then I'm sure you remember how fun this movie was. Still, it's a great film and shouldn't be missed. Has a great return for Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode). <a href="http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm89/JDHallowEEn/HorrorQf/?action=view¤t=Halloween7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm89/JDHallowEEn/HorrorQf/Halloween7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

• Martin S

  
  After Halloween 6...this was just a relief. This is a more modern version of Halloween...but not in any way the way Halloween 6 was modern. And there was a epic first face-off between Michael and Laurie. It will be fun to see how Michael will be able to get his head back in the game… More
  After Halloween 6...this was just a relief. This is a more modern version of Halloween...but not in any way the way Halloween 6 was modern. And there was a epic first face-off between Michael and Laurie. It will be fun to see how Michael will be able to get his head back in the game for Resurrection...(Get it?....Head)

• Josh L

  
  I've heard quite a few times that this is the only other entry in the series besides the original that is actually good, so maybe that put my expectations too high, but this was a massive disappointment for me. Having Jamie Lee Curtis return as the title character got me excited,… More
  I've heard quite a few times that this is the only other entry in the series besides the original that is actually good, so maybe that put my expectations too high, but this was a massive disappointment for me. Having Jamie Lee Curtis return as the title character got me excited, but she doesn't get to do a whole lot. The movie is completely scare less, lacks any sort of suspense, and wastes all of the potential of the storyline. The movie spends way too much time in the "set-up" phase. It takes about 3/4 of the movie before something with Michael Myers happens (outside of the opening sequence where he does kill somebody, something almost every movie of this genre does). There really isn't much else to say. It isn't downright terrible, it is competently made after all, but it doesn't do anything to distinguish itself from the other mediocre to horrible sequels in this franchise. I really wish someone could have conjured up the magic of the original, but I guess there is only one John Carpenter.

• Conner R

  
  It just never could live up to the expectations. When you wait almost 20 years for a third part with Jamie Lee Curtis, it better be good. This was so/so, therefore it failed. It was way too short and left no room for character development or a plot. Josh Hartnett and Michelle Williams… More
  It just never could live up to the expectations. When you wait almost 20 years for a third part with Jamie Lee Curtis, it better be good. This was so/so, therefore it failed. It was way too short and left no room for character development or a plot. Josh Hartnett and Michelle Williams were about the only fun part about it. Michael is hardly in it at all and Laurie really isn't either. It's just a sup-par sequel, but it could've been great with some tweaks here and there.

• Anthony L

  
  Same old cliché formula, shocking since it was spoofed in Scream two years previous. Nice to have Curtis back and there are some nice scenes for horror fans, namely the Psycho nods and the nurse from the first film but other than that, it?s same old same old. Did like the ending… More
  Same old cliché formula, shocking since it was spoofed in Scream two years previous. Nice to have Curtis back and there are some nice scenes for horror fans, namely the Psycho nods and the nurse from the first film but other than that, it?s same old same old. Did like the ending though!

• Bannan i

  
  Lol, I liked it...dunno what's with all the haters. xD [rev TBC]

• Lady D

  
  Having only seen the first ever Halloween, I?ve not been able to see the development of story in terms of sequels, but it was fairly easy to bridge the gap. As for the film itself, it is predictable like many in it?s genre, but was a fairly entertaining watch.

• David L

  
  Totally ignoring Halloween 4- 6, Halloween H2O or ( Halloween Water) is a different film in both good and bad ways from the previous sequels. Now the "Halloween" franchise has transformed into yet another "teeny-bopper" horror series. This seventh installment… More
  Totally ignoring Halloween 4- 6, Halloween H2O or ( Halloween Water) is a different film in both good and bad ways from the previous sequels. Now the "Halloween" franchise has transformed into yet another "teeny-bopper" horror series. This seventh installment features hot young actors from the former WB network, at the time an indication of a "trendy" horror movie. Plus, it was made with the involvement of none other than Kevin Williamson, writer of "Scream" and executive producer of "Dawson's Creek." All signs of an impending disaster? Well, not quite, at least not this time, but it's still a long cry from John Carpenter's treatment of the same material. Even Michael Myers himself isn't very scary anymore. It's a relatively minor point, but I was distracted by the fact that his eyes were visible. Sorry, but it's just not the same. Me being picky I guess Yet, all is not lost. Jamie Lee Curtis, reprising the Laurie Strode character, is a terrific lead. She adds an air of credibility to a watered-down formula, at times even making it close to respectable. Her character, as portrayed, is probably an accurate representation of how Laurie would have changed in twenty years' worth. The young supporting cast does a decent job, given the circumstances. At least they're much more sympathetic than most of their counterparts in similar films. However, LL Cool J is burdened with the most thankless role, as a loudmouthed security guard. His miraculous recovery after an encounter with Michael is a major groaner, probably a medical impossibility. At the very least, "H2O" provides a sense of closure, very rare in a horror series until the next sequel of course

• A.D. V

  
  Surprisingly entertaining and well done sequel wisely ignores all previous films except for the first and second. Lots of wink, winks intended for the trueblooded horror buffs. This film brought the series way out of the gutter. Unfortunatly the next one would not only put it back… More
  Surprisingly entertaining and well done sequel wisely ignores all previous films except for the first and second. Lots of wink, winks intended for the trueblooded horror buffs. This film brought the series way out of the gutter. Unfortunatly the next one would not only put it back down but sink it even further.

• Cassandra M

  
  Halloween H20:20 Years Later" made by Steve Miner("House",the second and the third part of "Friday the 13th" series)is quite good,especially if you liked John Carpenter's classic "Halloween".The film disregards Parts 4-6,which is not necessarily… More
  Halloween H20:20 Years Later" made by Steve Miner("House",the second and the third part of "Friday the 13th" series)is quite good,especially if you liked John Carpenter's classic "Halloween".The film disregards Parts 4-6,which is not necessarily a bad thing.Luckily it has plenty of suspense,and a good amount of scares-especially the prologue is quite terrifying.There is only a little bit of gore,so gorehounds will be disappointed.Jamie Lee Curtis is pretty good as a Laurie Strode,but the other characters played by the supporting cast are shallow and empty.The score by Marco Beltrami sounds exactly like the one from "Scream" and this is surely big mistake.All in all I enjoyed this one and you should too if you are a fan of "Halloween" series.7 out of 10-a solid horror flick!

• Lafe F

  
  The title was totally stupid! "H20" means water for most people; not Halloween: 20 Years Later! Loser studio- movie-title namers! I'm shocked. They threw away the entire plotlines from Halloween 4, 5 and 6, and created an alternate branching reality continued from… More
  The title was totally stupid! "H20" means water for most people; not Halloween: 20 Years Later! Loser studio- movie-title namers! I'm shocked. They threw away the entire plotlines from Halloween 4, 5 and 6, and created an alternate branching reality continued from the ending of Halloween II, where Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) is alive again (nope, she really didn't die in a car crash). I'm annoyed by Jamie Lee Curtis decided to come back to Halloween series, when she was nowhere to be found in parts 4, 5, 6. Nothing is mentioned about Laurie's daughter Jamie, who was in the last three films. But now she has a son named John (Josh Harnett), and is the head of a private school near Yosemite National Park. Since Halloween II went out with a bang, Laurie has been fearing the psycho Michael Myers (who is also her brother) would find her, so she is taking all sorts of medications and has changed her name to "Keri Tate". Michael breaks into the home office of Nurse Marion (from the first Halloween film). It's an extremely freaky opening scene. She has a file on the Myers case from her friend Dr. Sam Loomis (now deceased), which reveals the location and new name of Laurie Strode. Michael heads to the private school looking for his sister Laurie. There is a freaky scene at a road stop washroom. Laurie's son John and his friends are having a secret Halloween party. Michael slips past the security guard (played by rapper LL Cool J!) and enters the school to cause some terror, beginning with the students at the Halloween party. Their killings were realistic and freaky, looking very painful. It was sad, because they were such nice kids. There was great editing around the scenes with the dumb-waiter. There is a short but spectacular final showdown between Laurie Strode and her brother Michael Myers. The ending is surprising. I loved it, even if it felt too short. It was something to end the Halloween series once and for all if they wanted to... (Update: they made a movie after this one)

• Dean !

  
  One of the better horror updates of recent years, very similar at the start to the original.

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