David Gordon Green’s HalloweenThree years of meticulous work went into creating one of the most violent beefs in entertainment history: Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), versus Michael Myers. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end — even infamous, part-supernatural, merciless murderers like The Shape. Congratulation to Laurie and Haddonfield for ending their nightmare, but what about me? How can fans continue to enjoy the Final Girl against the insatiable slasher?!
Alas, Halloween is Over — as promised — brings an end to their story…but not without the surprising addition of Corey Cunningham, a new antagonist to complicate the plot and viewers’ expectations.
I’ll admit, I felt a twinge of sympathy watching the big, bad Michael Myers struggle throughout the movie, feebly completing his kills while attempting to uphold his reputation as Haddonfield’s boogeyman. My sympathy, however, had more to do with his newfound connection with babysitter-turned-slasher Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell).
However, Michael Myers may have been too bold in his bold move for the franchise finale. Halloween is OverIt felt more like a parody than the horribly ravenous version. Monster we’ve ever known with killer kill sequences that are hard to beat. It was almost illegal for me to be there and watch the infamous killer die as a father figure/mentor.
Does Michael Myers’s death mean that the end is near? Halloween?
With Michael’s body slashed, stabbed, twisted, and disintegrated by a metal shredder, the likelihood of his return is pretty low (luckily for the survivors of Haddonfield). However, slasher enthusiasts may find a silver lining to the tragic death of Michael Myers. This is because Corey (Boogeyman JR ) could continue his legacy. So, is it? Halloween is Over Is this really the end-all-be all for Michael’s grip on the slasher-world? Or is this just the beginning of a new chapter in Michael’s grip on the slasher world?
Perhaps this is the right time to apologize to Haddonfield residents; it may be the perfect moment to familiarize yourself with the housing market beyond Illinois.
Corey Cunningham’s introduction to the Halloween franchise begins with a “bang” (sorry, couldn’t help myself) as his innocent babysitter gig turns into a manslaughter case the town won’t forget. His emotional boil over leads to young Roger’s accidental drop of doom over the tall, winding staircase banister, ending all chances of Corey’s promising future as a college-bound aspiring engineer. His hopes of reintegrating into Haddonfield’s social scene are ruined and Corey is now a pariah. He points to the darkest pit and it leads him to Michael Myers.
Could Corey Cunningham be the next Michael Myers
Corey, who was unconscious and within reach of The Shape’s underground lair, should have been another easy victim for the legendary slasher. He was freed with all his hairs in place. It was a shocker from the violent murderer who delights in torturing the innocent. Instead of praise-dancing in light of receiving a new and statistically improbable chance at life, Corey finds himself intrigued by Myers’ choice. So he returns to learn more.
The odd pairing of the town is also included‘s two most shunned, Corey finds solace in Laurie’s company, getting close to her granddaughter, Allyson (Andi Matichak). As if the lives of the two women weren’t hard enough, Corey makes it his mission to terrorize and play mind games with them, steadily driving them apart. While Corey terrorizes the women, Corey begins his Haddonfield-style reign of terror, drawing Michael closer to the object he desires.
While Halloween is Over reveals Michael Myers as more dedicated to hiding than homicide, Corey as Boogeyman Jr. is ready and eager to pick up the old man’s slack. Along with the utterly mesmerizing shots and optimistic tone of the Halloween costume party dance sequence, this particular scene foreshadows the awakening of Corey’s true nature. As Corey loses himself to the music, dancing alongside the equally amused Allyson, he throws caution to the wind and unmasks himself from his literal costume mask of a scarecrow — and theoretically from the mask that kept himself posing as an unobtrusive introvert instead of the killer he desires to be. His transformation transforms the scene from a joyous sequence of youthful entertainment to a frightening warning that leaves audiences in a fearful hush.
How can the franchise go on beyond its current status? Halloween is Over?
Laurie and her granddaughter take down Boogeyman (and Boogeyman Junior) in the thrilling finale. The audience is left relieved and cheering.
Corey’s first stab at killing Laurie ends when she gains the upper hand. In a desperate effort to regain some sense of power, he cuts himself in the throat. Although this nearly ended the bond between Laurie & Alyson, it didn’t end Corey. His murderous mentor strikes the final blow shortly thereafter, breaking his neck to end his suffering.
Michael, with his many near-death scenes, felt the vagueness of Corey’s “disposal” was eerily familiar. This raises the question whether Corey is actually dead, particularly considering the possibility that there are supernatural elements within the diseased evil. Can we expect a similar resurrection by Corey if Michael has risen from death before?
Boogeyman, Jr.’s attempt at Myers-level infamy might have seemed brief-lived. However, it could just be a new beginning. If the movie’s insinuation of Michael Myers’ evil as a contagious disease reigns true, viewers could anticipate the possibility of a newer and even more horrific slasher to pick up the mask. Corey might not be the only one who will fall prey to the same infectious disease that Michael Myers has created. Could Michael’s passing lead to the rise of evil-contaminated slashers, who are eager to replace him? Or a town populated by multiple supernatural killers?
One word of advice, if you will: David Gordon Green needs to start investigating support groups for Haddonfield residents sooner than later.
Halloween is OverNow in theaters and streaming online Peacock.
