I Understand Why Halloween III Was Hated Upon Release, But Here’s Why I Wish It Became A Hit

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As a cinephile with decades of horror movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Halloween III: Season of the Witch is a film that has grown on me over time. Growing up in the ’80s, I was a devout fan of the original Halloween, and the sequel’s departure from Michael Myers left me initially disappointed. However, as I have revisited this film through the years, I have come to appreciate its unique approach to the horror genre.

The movie’s storyline about a sinister plot involving a popular children’s mask manufacturer was certainly a departure from the slasher formula that had been established in the first two movies, but it offered something fresh and intriguing for fans who were hungry for something new. I admire John Carpenter’s courage to try something different with the franchise and wish that the anthology idea had stuck around longer.

One of my fondest memories is watching Halloween III on a dusty VHS tape late at night with friends, discussing the film’s merits and flaws long into the wee hours of the morning. It was a shared experience that made us feel like we were part of something special, even if the rest of the world wasn’t quite ready for this innovative take on the horror genre.

Looking back now, I think it’s safe to say that Halloween III: Season of the Witch was ahead of its time in many ways. It may not be a perfect film, but it certainly deserves more love and appreciation from horror fans than it initially received. And as for a joke, let me just say that if you haven’t seen this underrated gem yet, I hope you have a silver Shape-Shifter mask handy, because you’re in for a real treat!

As a long-time fan of horror movies, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and admiration towards “Halloween III: Season of the Witch.” Growing up in the ’80s, I remember this film being met with confusion and disappointment by audiences when it was first released. However, over time, its unique approach to the Halloween franchise has earned it a dedicated fanbase who now appreciate its innovative storyline and chilling atmosphere.

However, as someone who was captivated by the original “Halloween” movie, I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret that this film didn’t achieve the success it deserved back in 1982. It’s hard not to wonder what could have been if audiences had embraced its dark and unsettling tone, which was a stark departure from the slasher formula that dominated the genre at the time.

I think one of the reasons why “Halloween III” was misunderstood by audiences is because it didn’t follow the traditional formula for a Halloween movie. Instead of following the story of Michael Myers, it focused on a completely new and unrelated plot involving ancient witchcraft and a sinister corporation. This departure from the expected may have left some viewers feeling tricked, but I believe that if given a chance, they would have come to appreciate its originality and creativity.

In conclusion, while I’m glad that “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” has been reevaluated as a classic horror film by some fans, I can’t help but wish it had achieved success when it first came out. Its unique take on the Halloween franchise is something that deserves to be celebrated, and its dark and unsettling tone remains unparalleled in the genre even today.

Why Halloween III Failed

In 1978, John Carpenter’s groundbreaking horror film, “Halloween,” introduced the terrifying character of Michael Myers, a serial killer whose terror continued in the sequel “Halloween II” but not in the subsequent films. However, “Halloween III: Season of the Witch,” released in 1982, presents an entirely different narrative. This film follows a doctor (portrayed by Tom Atkins) who stumbles upon a sinister, supernatural conspiracy linked to a well-known mask manufacturer for kids. The movie has no connection to Michael Myers or Laurie Strode’s character, much to the dismay of many fans.

2022’s terrifying docudrama, “In Search of Darkness: Part III“, finds me reminiscing about the backlash that ensued when a “Halloween” movie was released without the infamous Michael Myers. To add fuel to the fire, it received scathing reviews, became the lowest-grossing installment at the time (and remains near the bottom of the list today), earning just over $14 million as per Box Office Mojo, and was heavily criticized for a plot that put children in danger. In response, the franchise decided to revisit its slasher roots, welcoming Michael Myers back in the 1988 film “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers“.

How I Feel About Halloween III

Writing about it might give the impression that I’m a passionate advocate for the underestimated horror film “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”. In truth, while there are several aspects to appreciate in the movie, I don’t think it ranks as one of the top works by John Carpenter or Tom Atkins, despite their significant contributions.

I find that the acting feels stiff, there aren’t many genuine frightening moments, and the storyline and overall mood are confusing and disorganized. I believe this movie could greatly benefit from a remake because its original idea has potential, despite its current state. Interestingly enough, my dissatisfaction with the sequel doesn’t stem from Michael Myers’ absence; on the contrary, his absence is one of the aspects I appreciate most about it.

I Think The Halloween Franchise’s Anthology Strategy Should Have Worked

In 2017, Carpenter expressed to THR that he felt the story of Michael Myers had reached its limit with the initial two films and was interested in exploring new directions. His idea to maintain the franchise was by producing an annual standalone film themed around a holiday, with “Season of the Witch” being the first (and regrettably, the last) attempt at this concept. As a fan of Michael Myers’ character, I lament that the anthology idea didn’t continue.

In my opinion, it would’ve been more beneficial for the popular horror movie series to create fresh narratives rather than continuously rehashing the same storyline involving the same killer. Moreover, the intricate timelines in the Halloween series and the complicated sibling relationship between Michael Myers and Laurie (a connection that Carpenter conceived when he was intoxicated) have often hindered the films’ success, as I see it. After watching Halloween Ends, I expressed a wish for no more Michael Myers appearances, but in retrospect, I believe his killing spree should have ended with Halloween II and the franchise could have moved forward instead.

It seems that Miramax is developing a horror TV series based on their movie franchise, which I had hoped would be an opportunity to move away from Michael Myers’ story and create a horror anthology series. However, it appears that this new show will simply be another attempt at rebooting the franchise, or as they call it, “a creative reset.” It seems the flop of Halloween III has left its mark on the horror genre, making change seem frightening, but thankfully there are still chances for fresh scares in the upcoming horror films.

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2025-01-02 02:07