Ok, I seriously want to talk to someone about these films because there is a lot to be said IMO.

I saw the second one (in theaters) first, which makes no sense. Honestly didn't think much of it until the end where it somewhat "jumps ahead" and the ending is more or less lifted from Halloween 4. Still, there were a lot of things that didn't make sense without seeing the first one, like the strip club scene.

Anyway, a while back I caught the first one on TV and it really surprised me, especially the first hour where we are finally given some insight into how Mike became a killer. It moved along briskly and none of the scenes seemed pointless, that is until I bought the Unrated DVD.

Oh, wowzers. I really didn't need to see a dumb-ass redneck rape a mental patient. Ok, yeah, it sets up Myers escape, but seriously, this isn't creative storytelling and while I didn't get to see how he escaped on TV I wasn't really too worried about it. It being a Halloween movie, I know I'm going to see sexually active teenagers and boobies and it's not what you'd call "high art" but really, the above scene is crap.

Additionally, does anyone else feel really bad for the one (Mexican) janitor? I know Zombie was trying to showcase how merciless "Mikey" has become over the years, but I really wish he didn't die. I almost feel as bad for him as Myers' mother.

As for Dr. Loomis, I never thought they would find someone that could top Donald Pleasence performance in the original but Malcolm McDowell does it somehow. I love how he at first it seems like he has a great deal of integrity and then is shown being unconscionable, trying to make blood money of his infamous patient. Ironically, after Myers' escape, he seems to be the only one interested in correcting the situation, more or less trying to make up for his sins. Unfortunately, the sequel overcomplicates this by more or less repeating the same idea.

Regardless, what do you think of these films/scenes?