Overkill

August 29, 2009 at 7:25 pm (The Easy Chair)

I just saw Halloween 2. Wow. It was mostly what I expected.

I will start by reminding all of my affection for Rob Zombie films. I’ve seen every one in a theater, at least those shown in theaters. I go in with low expectations, but expect to be entertained. This film didn’t entertain me.

I will start with what I liked. My favorite part of the Zombie film series is the skewed sense of humor. (Pun intended.) Killer clowns, lusty busty babes, hillbilly humor and adrenaline-fueled rushes. I love to play ‘spot the has-been,’ where character actors from the past reappear in cameos. (This film has small parts played by Margot Kidder and Howard Hesseman. Howard is now a dead ringer for one of my cousins.) Glad to see he’s still making appearances.

I laughed exactly once, when Malcolm McDowell referred to Al Yankovich as “Mr Weird.” That’s how unfunny it was.

Did I go expecting to laugh? Maybe a little, says my morbid mind. I find humor in sick places, and Rob Zombie has a way of finding those places. This movie needed way more laughs.

It did not lack for intensity, action or pacing. The opening sequence went on for a bit, and when it ended I heard an audible gasp and a deep breath from the lady sitting behind me. I was curious to see if she’d make it to the end.

Most didn’t. Several couples left before half an hour went by, and when I departed there were two people left in the theater, including Gasping Lady behind me. With fifteen minutes to go, there was nothing to see that I hadn’t already seen, ad nauseum. If this film had focused on sex instead of gore and violence, it would be considered hardcore pornography. (Meant as a compliment.) Unfortunately, the film shoots its wad early on. It’s like trying to watch porno right after sex. Um, I’m ready to watch something else now. I was more interested in catching a prompt bus home than finding out who makes it and who gets it. I’m guessing they ALL get it.

I’m glad I can support Rob Zombie’s film career. I have no doubt his next feature, coming out on DVD in a month or so, will be more up my alley. It’s already number one in my Netflix queue.

The movie did evoke a lot of emotion. The excessive brutality left me feeling beaten up. On the way home I thought of loved ones, of friends, how I should be more tolerant of those I care about and less intolerant of those I’m not so fond of. Thinking how I should notch it back a little, be more compassionate and less in your face. Guess I’m feeling a little too out there this weekend. I need some smiles. I need some quiet.

I think I need a hug.

Thanks for the overkill, Rob Zombie.