With so much negative feedback flying around the internet on Rob Zombie’s new instalment to the Halloween franchise I just couldn’t wait any longer to get my hands on a copy and see what this ‘hateful’ fuss was all about. Long before Rob Zombie ever decided to grace our horror film credits with titles such as ‘Director’ he was known for something else, something that first drew me in as a dedicated Rob Zombie fan, a musician. From the minute I heard White Zombie I knew that I had found my new favourite metal band. Sure I still listened to many other metal bands, of many genres, but White Zombie was a fascination, easily the most seen band merchandise in my bedroom between the years 1994-1998. Posters, Patches, Calendars, Shirts, Flags, if White Zombie produced it, I wanted it.

Rob’s approach to artwork, lyrics and fashion was a style that I just instantly connected with. Hotrods and clowns, whores and monsters, it was like Robert Williams painted a vinyl record, set it on fire, and through it on a turn table. So to hear so many bad reviews on H2 after liking the first one, and having it been directed by someone that I hold so high, meant that it was something that really needed to be cleared up, and decided on by myself.

One thing that instantly stood out for me from the start of H2 was use of sound and overall sound editing, I thought it was exceptional, and right up my alley as far as the type of horror sounds that appeal to me. Some very late 70’s horror sound influences, uneasy tones, long low key base notes etc. I liked the use of sound, and give it top ratings in this department.

I feel Rob captured the feeling of ‘Terror’ very well, but personally think he may have just slightly over done it with the screaming stab scenes. I know there are plenty of horror fans out there that will say “It’s a bloody slasher film, what does this idiot expect”, but that’s just my opinion. I thought it may have just lost a little bit of its edge through me becoming somewhat visually immune, but hey, I’m not complaining. Other than that it was a 90 minute thrusting stab fest, which I totally enjoyed. If you’re looking for a film to redefine the term ‘slasher’, this could possibly be it.

A lot of critics were ranting and raving about Rob’s use of dreamlike states for Michael, and how they thought it totally sucked, and that he shouldn’t have done it. Michael is in and out of dream like states throughout the entire film, as to is Laurie Strode (Michael’s sister) who finds herself still having nightmares about Michael almost 12 months on. Michael tends to have visions of himself as a child, or see and talk to a ghost of his deceased mother dressed in a white robe guarded by a white horse. Many thought Rob made a complete mess of it by doing this, but I think it was just an expression of his own creativity, I can’t say that I loved it, but then again, I can’t say I really hated it all that much either. I found myself reasonably muted on the matter, and left it as a decision he made as a director. Some may hate it, some may love it, and I guess that’s up to the individual to decide.

I really felt there was a lot of White Zombie/Rob Zombie video clip influences throughout it also, those who aren’t familiar with their clips would not have picked up on it, but fans of either band would never have mistaken it. Overall costume and set design was also good, as was use of lighting and camera effects, nothing over the top, but visually stimulating none the less. Storyline direction lacked a little, and could have left itself open to various other alternatives, but once again, that is the choice of the director, and therefore, we can only have our opinion.

I didn’t think it was anywhere near as bad as everyone made it out to be, maybe not as good as the first, but still quite solid for a modern day horror film. It was still dark, and still very Rob Zombie, so if you like his films you will no doubt find it appealing. Rob says that he is finished with the Halloween films, but I think the ending has left itself open to a new concept if his mind was to ever change on the matter, who knows.

Overall I found it a worthy watch, and another essential edition to the home DVD collection. Release dates for Australia are yet to be announced, but will be posted as soon as they become available.

Written by ‘Von Gore’ © Copyright 2009 Fright Sniper Entertainment, All Rights Reserved.