Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 30, 1995 TAG: 9510030021
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That could be said of any film that opens with shots of pseudo-Satanic ritual involving a black-robed figure threatening a naked infant with a large knife. But after the repugnant beginning, this horror film quickly disintegrates into a virtually plotless series of predictable murders.
The main settings are Haddonfield (actually Salt Lake City) and a mental asylum. Michael Myers is still wandering around killing people. The victims include an abusive father, his near-sighted wife and an obnoxious radio talkshow host. Veteran character actor Donald Pleasance returns as Dr. Loomis. This was his final role, completed just before he died, and he appears to have realized how abysmal the material was.
Actually, the only thing worth noting about this sixth entry in the series is its rating. Despite repeated on-screen stabbings, electrocutions, beatings and shootings, the movie received an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. The reasoning behind that must involve the overall darkness of the image. Most of the actual impalings and piercings are hard to see, while the resulting blood and death spasms are more clearly lighted.
Those, according to the MPAA, are all right for kids to see with their parents or guardians. At the same time, the sexual goings-on in "Showgirls" are off limits.
What's wrong with this picture?
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (turkey)
A Dimension Films release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View 6. 95 min. Rated R for graphic violence, strong language, brief nudity.
by CNB