Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Metascore
43 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
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  1. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    63
    The final minute of Halloween 4 remains as unsettling today as it was during its 1988 theatrical run. The real reason to see this movie is not for the predictable build-up, but for the cliffhanger provided by director Dwight H. Little and screenwriter Alan B. McElroy.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    60
    The best of the sequels to Carpenter's seminal slasher movie...Directed with flair by Little, who does not blatantly ape Carpenter's style, the movie delivers a number of effective chills without relying too heavily on the kinds of tired tricks and bloody gore that have made this genre a boring cliche.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    50
    A no-frills, workmanlike picture.
  4. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Caryn James
    40
    In this film, suspense and psychological horror have given way to superhuman strength and resilience...The one effectively handled scene is the last, which promises a sequel with a feminist twist.
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Richard Harrington
    30
    Very much the cheap knockoff of its prototype, but not half as visceral.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. LuciusMcGibbon
    7
    Is it as good as the first one? No. Is that a fair statement? No. Halloween II did its fair share to distance the franchise from its brilliant roots, and with no Carpenter on board, H4 didn't stand a chance to fully right the ship. That said, it got plenty of things right; this is probably the best of the many, many sequels in the series. Can't say I was crazy about Michael's mask in this one, and the opening murder scene is too much of a stretch, even for this kind of movie. On the plus side, the atmosphere and viewer psychology of the first movie are back; the traumatized town in a blackout makes an awesome setting, and there is a better balance of scare scenes versus down time, which tricks you into letting your guard down in time for big moments. And even though I was never that crazy about the ending, it is undoubtedly a clever attempt at bringing the franchise full circle. Of all the different canons of Halloween out there, the I-II-4 trilogy is the best, as long as you pretend that 5 and 6 never happened.… Full Review »
  2. Sam
    0
    Only 2 words can describe this movie, it sucked. A monstrous disappointment. Wait, no it ain't! the second, third, 4th and so on Halloween movies sucked! The first was great, don't see the rest.… Full Review »
  3. ScarTissue1990
    10
    My favorite "Halloween" movie. I think it was very creative and twisted and just beautiful. I loved it very much! The actors and actresses were great, especially Donald Pleasence and Danielle Harris. Check it out.… Full Review »
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