Episode Summary: The Rewatchables – ‘Halloween 4’ with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Rewatchables, hosted by Bill Simmons, the panel comprising Chris Ryan and Van Lathan delves deep into the cult classic horror film Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Released on October 29, 2024, the discussion navigates through the film's plot intricacies, character developments, and its enduring legacy within the Halloween franchise. The panelists share their personal insights, critical analyses, and memorable moments from the movie, providing both nostalgia and fresh perspectives for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Background on 'Halloween 4' and Franchise Continuity

Halloween 4 marked a significant turn in the Halloween series, reintroducing Michael Myers after a decade-long absence. The film attempted to revitalize the franchise by bringing back the iconic antagonist, questioning the sustainability of horror franchises when the protagonist is eliminated.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Franchise Revival and Michael Myers' Return

   • Rob Harvilla opens the discussion by questioning the feasibility of continuing a horror series after killing its main villain: "How do you keep a horror movie franchise going after you've murdered the protagonist of the movie?" ([01:43]).
   • Chris Ryan echoes the sentiment, highlighting the 1980s approach: "We had a much different relationship to franchises. We met. We had a lot fewer questions back then." ([03:03]).

2. Character Analysis: Michael Myers

   • The panel dissects Michael Myers' resilience and enigmatic nature, emphasizing his almost supernatural persistence despite numerous attempts to kill him: "He is just a force. He wants to kill this little girl. You don't even really need to know the reason why he needs to kill. He just is." ([11:09]).
   • Diane praises Myers as "the Aaron Donald of slashers," commending his physical prowess and unyielding determination ([11:11]).

3. Dr. Loomis: The Flawed Savior

   • Rob Harvilla critiques Dr. Loomis' effectiveness, pointing out inconsistencies and his seemingly autopilot approach: "He still knows how to drive even though he never learned because he had been locked up since age 6." ([03:48]).
   • Diane expresses frustration with Loomis, deeming him "ridiculously useless" and a hindrance to resolving the chaos: "I hate him. I hate him. Like, to me, Loomis makes me sick." ([08:26]).

4. Plot Critiques and Logical Inconsistencies

   • The panelists identify several plot holes and unrealistic scenarios in Halloween 4. For instance, Michael Myers navigating the town effortlessly despite previous portrayals where his physical limitations were evident: "But it ends up in the same drugstore as his niece. She's trying on stuff. What are the odds?" ([77:38]).
   • Chris Ryan questions the plausibility of Dr. Loomis' jurisdiction and his overreliance on firearms: "What do you do with this? I have an idea." ([05:06]).

5. Memorable Scenes and Kills

   • Diane highlights the roof battle as her favorite and most rewatchable scene, appreciating its intensity and choreography: "Yeah, I love that. That's my favorite part." ([35:07]).
   • Rob Harvilla points out the effectiveness of Michael’s kills, such as crushing Brady’s jaw and the iconic finger-through-forehead scene: "I like the finger through the forehead's great. And I like when he kills Don Dawson." ([59:39]).

6. Humor and Light-Hearted Commentary

   • The discussion often veers into humorous territory, with remarks about Michael Myers' seemingly effortless ability to navigate and his presence in unexpected places: "He just kind of goes back and kill." ([82:31]).
   • Diane amusingly theorizes Michael as a natural force enforcing "natural selection," positioning him as the hero of the movie: "I theorize that Michael Myers is actually a natural force… and that Michael Myers actually is the hero of this movie." ([63:28]).

7. Critical Reception and Legacy

   • The panel reflects on the film's initial reception versus its current standing, noting that while it was once criticized, it has grown on many as a staple of late '80s horror: "But there's belated respect for this movie. And I think people now seem to feel like this is probably the best slasher movie of the mid late 80s." ([24:12]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rob Harvilla [03:03]: "We had a much different relationship to franchises. We met. We had a lot fewer questions back then."
• Diane [11:11]: "He's the Aaron Donald of slashers, right?"
• Chris Ryan [05:06]: "What do you do with this? I have an idea."
• Diane [35:07]: "Yeah, I love that. That's my favorite part."
• Rob Harvilla [59:39]: "I like the finger through the forehead's great. And I like when he kills Don Dawson."
• Diane [63:28]: "I theorize that Michael Myers is actually a natural force… and that Michael Myers actually is the hero of this movie."

Insights and Analysis

The panelists collectively argue that Halloween 4 serves as both a continuation and a divergence from its predecessors. While it attempts to deepen Michael Myers' mythology by introducing a familial connection, it simultaneously grapples with maintaining suspense and plausibility within its narrative.

Conclusion

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers stands as a pivotal entry in the Halloween franchise, embodying the challenges of reviving a beloved series while attempting to introduce new elements. Through the lens of Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and their fellow panelists, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of the film's strengths and shortcomings. Their lively discussion not only celebrates the movie's enduring appeal but also critically examines the decisions that have shaped its legacy, making this episode a must-listen for horror aficionados and casual fans alike.