When I heard good things about _Scream (2022)_, I decided that it was probably time to go back and watch the original, which somehow I have never seen. However, I also knew that the original _Scream_ was very influenced by and possibly included direct references to many classic slasher films; all of which I have also not seen. So, in order to fully appreciate whatever nuances may exist within the slasher genre, I must first catch up on all the classics, starting here, with John Carpenter's _Halloween_.

If I had seen this movie back in 1978, when it was considered a groundbreaking entry in the horror genre, perhaps I would have been more impressed and generous with my rating. Alas, here we are 44 years later, and what was once groundbreaking, is now a poster child for overused tropes and clichés. Of course, I understand this film likely invented some of those tropes/clichés, but at the end of the day, for a modern audience watching this movie for the first time, that doesn't really matter. Large swathes of the movie felt familiar because I've seen a dozen newer films that followed the same formula.

Now, that doesn't mean the movie isn't effective. It's a lean story with a simple set-up that very much accomplishes it's goal. Michael Myers is a truly creepy character; his heavy breathing and iconic mask an ever effective way to amp up the tension (especially when combined with the signature soundtrack). His overbearing presence throughout almost every scene in the movie does a good job of keeping the viewer on their toes, trying to anticipate how and when the next victim will meet their end. I will say, the violence is quite tame by modern standards, which somewhat deflates the payoff moments. Additionally, the ending was a letdown, providing an excellent example of one of my least favorite tropes: [spoiler]when the protagonist doesn't confirm that the villain is dead or at least restrain them, which happens, not once, but twice[/spoiler]. I'd also say that the acting was rough in many places.

Ending on one positive note, I think it's crazy that a movie this iconic was still able to take me by surprise with it's opening scene: [spoiler]somehow I wasn't aware of Michael Myers' origin story and so I was not expecting a child to be the initial murderer[/spoiler].