Sun Oct 26 02:00:00 UTC 2025: Auburn Plainsman Reviews: Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ Still Delivers Chills After All These Years

(Image: Movie title, year, and Michael Myers silhouette on an orange background.)

AUBURN, ALABAMA – As the Halloween season descends, The Auburn Plainsman Lifestyle Section is diving into the world of horror, kicking off its spooky film recommendations with a look at John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 slasher, “Halloween.”

The low-budget film that launched a thousand nightmares introduced audiences to Michael Myers, a chillingly silent masked figure who escapes a mental institution 15 years after murdering his sister as a child. He returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night to stalk and terrorize teenager Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis.

“Halloween” is credited with solidifying the slasher film genre and popularizing the “Final Girl” trope. Despite a mere $325,000 budget, it grossed a staggering $70 million worldwide, solidifying its place as a landmark independent film.

Amelia Gatzke, a freshman majoring in psychology, is a member of the Plainsman staff, and praises the movie’s lasting impact and Michael Myers. “Between the uncanny valley look of his mask and his complete silence throughout the film, Myers has an inhumane presence that makes him genuinely terrifying.” She also commends the special effects, noting that they still hold up well despite the film’s age. “The blood and gore look real, which only adds to the impact of Myers’ violent acts,” she said. Carpenter’s self-composed, suspenseful score, also receives high marks.

However, Gatzke points out that some of the acting, particularly from characters playing Laurie’s friends, feels dated and unrealistic. Furthermore, the friends’ unsavory personalities diminish the impact of their murders, making it difficult for the audience to empathize with their demise.

“Halloween” receives a 3/5 on the “Spooky Recommendation Meter.”

Gatzke concludes, “Halloween is a product of its time, and the impact it had on American culture as a whole cannot be denied. For one of the first ever slasher films, it’s quite good, which makes the popularity understandable. But through a modern lens, there are just so many fantastic movies nowadays that, if released in 2025, Halloween would not have the same appeal nor impact that it once did.”

The Plainsman welcomes submissions for Halloween-themed film reviews. Those interested can contact srb0106@auburn.edu.

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