Sequel to the surprise hit 1978 original does what most sequels don't as it continues right from the point of where the last left off.

Michael Myers is still on the loose (as shown in an effective "through the eyes" escape sequence after the credits) and killing anyone who gets in the way as he hunts down Jamie Lee Curtis who's been taken to the local hospital. On Myers trail is the ever so obsessed Doctor Loomis (Donald Pleasence in his career defining role).

Playing more formulaic than the original (we have to remember the first Halloween was a trendsetter and this came two years into the slasher phase) and not capturing the outright suspense of the original; this is still an entertaining follow-up, is watchable, gives a little bit more of the Myers back story and has some pretty cool deaths (especially the "scalpel lift" moment).

There's some logic lapses (such as why the police aren't at the hospital protecting Curtis) and you have to question why the hospital is just so darn empty (seems Curtis is the only patient) but if you forgive these things you'll probably enjoy this decent sequel. The finale actually manages to be quite decent with some okay mood.

Director Rick Rosenthal would return to the series in 2002 to direct Halloween:Resurrection. Blink and you'll miss comedian/actor Dana Carvey in his film debut.

Directed By: Rick Rosenthal.
Written By: John Carpenter, Debra Hill.

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Charles Cyphers, Lance Guest.