Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Name: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Released: October 21, 1988
Duration: 88 min
Rating: 34
Cast: Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell

1988

METASCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 290 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 290 Ratings

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Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers

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Movie Details & Credits

Galaxy International Releasing | Release Date: October 21, 1988 | R

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell

Summary: Ten years ago, he changed the face of Halloween. Tonight...he's back! Infamous killer Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield to find his long lost niece and fufill his destiny of murder and destruction! [Anchor Bay]

Director: Dwight H. Little

Genre(s): Thriller, Horror

Rating: R

Runtime: 88 min

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Critic Reviews

Eric Goldman

Danielle Harris deserves a lot of credit for her work in Halloween 4. It's hard to find truly believable child actors in general, and in the realm of a film like this, it's easy to expect the worst, yet she is very credible and relatable and took an idea that probably had some fans cringing -- a little girl as the hero of a Halloween sequel! -- and made it work. Read full review

James Berardinelli

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. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

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. Read full review

Caryn James

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. Read full review

Juan Carlos Coto

Besides the clever name and some striking images from director Dwight H. Little, the only other entertaining bits in Halloween 4 come from Donald Pleasence. [29 Oct 1988, p.C4]

Richard Harrington

Very much the cheap knockoff of its prototype, but not half as visceral. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

Anyone who goes to Halloween 4 deserves what they get: stale, sordid tricks and no treats. [25 Oct 1988, p.C6]

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User Reviews

TheCriticKid

Sep 20, 2013

"Halloween 4" stands with the original "Halloween" on my list of favorite Halloween movies. The storyline to this film was fantastic. The acting was brilliant. Too bad that we didn't hear much from Ellie Cornell after this movie and Halloween 5, but she is a fantastic actress. Danielle"Halloween 4" stands with the original "Halloween" on my list of favorite Halloween movies. The storyline to this film was fantastic. The acting was brilliant. Too bad that we didn't hear much from Ellie Cornell after this movie and Halloween 5, but she is a fantastic actress. Danielle Harris's portrayal of Jamie Lloyd, Laurie Strode's 9 year old daughter is what makes this movie my favorite. Brilliant actress. And of course, Donald Pleasence never ever disappoints.… Expand

35 of 39 users found this helpful354

GodzillaMutoFan

Dec 19, 2015

..................................................................................................................................................scary as ****

7 of 8 users found this helpful71

Rcavey92212

Feb 23, 2020

In my opinion the best sequel of the series even though we're supposed to believe Myers grew his eyes back after being shot out in the last sequel. Besides that its pretty damn amazing. Myers returns in strong form cementing his position as one of cinemas greatest villains. Picking up overIn my opinion the best sequel of the series even though we're supposed to believe Myers grew his eyes back after being shot out in the last sequel. Besides that its pretty damn amazing. Myers returns in strong form cementing his position as one of cinemas greatest villains. Picking up over ten years after the events of the first two films. Laurie Strode has passed and left her daughter behind. A new family is fostering her and Michael returns home and will stop at nothing to get to her. The performances are solid all around but Ellie Cornell as Rachael makes one hell of a final girl. However the MVP goes to Danielle Harris as young Jamie. It's truly one of the best genre performances ever. The movie also has some thrilling stalk scenes including the best scene in any slasher film, the rooftop chase. All in all it's a well paced, suspenseful franchise sequel best.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

MrTacoBob

Jul 13, 2017

I wouldnt say its great but its still decent. The new characters are kinda like able. Its a good movie okay? It is scary and it returned to Michael Myers instead of Season of the Witch.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

bfoore90

Aug 25, 2017

After being shot, blinded, blown up & set on fire Michael took a little R&R and has now come back somehow by reasons not quite explained for Halloween 4. Obviously this movie was made to milk Halloween for whatever credibility it had left as a franchise and it fails to reach the heights ofAfter being shot, blinded, blown up & set on fire Michael took a little R&R and has now come back somehow by reasons not quite explained for Halloween 4. Obviously this movie was made to milk Halloween for whatever credibility it had left as a franchise and it fails to reach the heights of the first one or even the 2nd one. That being said, Halloween 4 is by no means a bad movie, its still quite watchable. Laurie Strode is gone but Dr. Loomis returns again somehow, though played expertly by Donald Pleasance. The other 2 leads, played by Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris are incredibly well acted and along with Pleseance help carry the movie well. All in all, its not a bad movie by any means its just not that good either.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

moviecritic108

Nov 4, 2014

This is one of the better Halloween movies. It isn't perfect, but I really like it. The only real complaint I have is that Michael Myers is all bulky like a football player and his mask looks really cheap.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Sam

Aug 24, 2005

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.

2 of 4 users found this helpful

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