Rob Zombie’s Halloween Remake Remains His Only Truly Great Movie

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It’s easy to see how the title of this article might upset some people. Rob Zombie has a dedicated fanbase who see him as a unique and influential artist. He’s a captivating performer, and his films are known for their gritty, often shocking style. He’s clearly passionate about horror, and whether you enjoy his work or not, you can always tell he puts his heart into it. I’m not here to criticize his films, and I recognize that *The Devil’s Rejects* is a favorite for many – some even consider it his best. Personally, I find his other work much more compelling. And if you feel differently, you’re definitely not the only one. Currently, that remake has a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

John Carpenter’s *Halloween* is a truly exceptional film, perfectly executed from beginning to end. Its pacing is masterful, and Michael Myers remains one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. Rob Zombie’s take on the story simply doesn’t measure up – it was always going to be difficult to compete with Carpenter’s masterpiece, especially considering its incredible score, cinematography, and Jamie Lee Curtis’s performance. That said, the 2007 *Halloween* does have its merits. I actually prefer Zombie’s remake to David Gordon Green’s recent trilogy, and I firmly believe it’s the director’s best work. While the story choices regarding Corey Cunningham are questionable, I think *Halloween* (2007) is stronger than *The Devil’s Rejects* and deserves a re-evaluation.

Rob Zombie’s Halloween Gives Michael Myers an Origin Story

The story and timeline of the *Halloween* movies can be confusing. The relationship between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers changes – sometimes they’re portrayed as siblings, and other times they aren’t. Rob Zombie’s 2007 *Halloween* script kept the sibling connection and then expanded on Michael Myers’s history, adding more details to his background.

Daeg Faerch delivers an impressive performance as young Michael Myers. The film spends the first 38 minutes showing his life before he begins his violent rampage, where he kills his bully, older sister Judith and her boyfriend Steve, and his mother’s boyfriend, Ronnie. The killings are very graphic and disturbing. One especially unsettling scene shows Michael stabbing Judith, with the camera focusing on his mask, foreshadowing the emotionless killer he will become.

Michael is finally sent to Smith’s Grove Sanitarium. Conversations between Malcolm McDowell’s character and Michael offer further insight into Michael’s thoughts and motivations. Dr. Loomis documented these observations in his notes, which state:

Masks create a mental sanctuary in which Michael can hide within himself.

Michael tells his mother, Deborah, that he wears the mask to hide how he feels about himself, revealing a deep inner struggle for such a young boy. Some viewers might even feel sympathy for young Michael when he expresses his desire to go home to Dr. Loomis. The scene where Deborah watches old family videos and then takes her own life is particularly heartbreaking – it genuinely made me cry. Afterward, Laurie’s distressed cries echo through the house, and the story jumps forward fifteen years, marking Michael’s transition into adulthood.

To truly understand the backstory Rob Zombie created for Michael Myers, it helps to imagine the original story didn’t exist. This version of Michael is different from what many fans expect; he speaks, and has a surprisingly close, emotional bond with his sister, Laurie, and his mother. He’s a peculiar kid, but generally normal, and simply wants to enjoy trick-or-treating.

Let’s be honest, the start of Rob Zombie’s *Halloween* isn’t perfect. The family dynamics feel totally over-the-top, and, predictably, there’s a gratuitous shot thrown in for shock value. And honestly, Malcolm McDowell just doesn’t *feel* like Sam Loomis to me. He plays it too cool, more like a trendy protector than the intense, insightful doctor the character should be. We needed to see more of a connection between him and Michael. But despite these flaws, I still find a lot to appreciate about the film.

Horror Fans Either Love or Hate Halloween 2007

Most horror fans have a strong opinion about the 2007 remake of *Halloween*. People either passionately defend Rob Zombie’s version, or they absolutely hate it. I’m in the group that enjoys it, even though I acknowledge it has flaws, like over-the-top dialogue and unnecessary nudity. Also, the film’s version of Laurie Strode (played by Scout Taylor-Compton) isn’t nearly as compelling or relatable as Jamie Lee Curtis’s original portrayal.

I really appreciate how the film develops Michael Myers as a character. He moves beyond being just a silent, terrifying force and becomes a person – a deeply disturbed one capable of terrible violence. Tyler Mane, who is incredibly tall at 6’8″, physically embodies this with a powerful and intimidating presence. His appearance – with messy hair and a heavy walk – is genuinely frightening. What’s clever is that when he puts on his mask and retrieves the knife, the film subtly reminds us of the young Michael we saw earlier, and surprisingly, it makes us feel some empathy for him. I think this is the film’s most significant achievement.

Rob Zombie’s films often have a rough, gritty feel, but his *Halloween* is arguably his most polished work. Unlike some of his other movies, it features stable camera work without jarring cuts. It’s clear Zombie respects the original *Halloween*; he includes subtle references and clever visual nods throughout. For example, the film uses a behind-the-shoulder perspective early on, foreshadowing Michael Myers’ future stalking. He also pays homage to the original by having a character, Lynda, frequently use the word “totally,” just like P.J. Soles did in the first film.

Rob Zombie isn’t quite as skilled at creating suspense as John Carpenter. This remake also lacks the atmosphere of a classic Halloween, with very little of the usual spooky scenery. But looking at all of his movies so far, the first *Halloween* is definitely his strongest work – it stands out significantly. In fact, you could argue it’s his only truly great film.

Other Rob Zombie Films Have Better Reviews

While Rob Zombie has directed several films, *Halloween* isn’t always the first one fans mention as their favorite. Some prefer *Lords of Salem*, and others believe *31* is a hidden gem in the horror genre. Many critics don’t consider his films family-friendly, and a common opinion is that *The Devil’s Rejects* is his best work, largely thanks to its iconic final scene featuring the song “Free Bird.”

Despite its flaws, I believe *Halloween* is the film that proves Rob Zombie can be a skilled director. It’s a shame the movie doesn’t maintain the quality of its first half. The teenage characters also feel poorly written and are difficult to like. Additionally, the camera work during the final scene is overly shaky and distracting.

Okay, so the movie isn’t flawless – the beginning felt a little slow with setting up the characters. But honestly, it totally makes up for it! The action scenes are just incredible – really intense, violent, and I can’t get them out of my head. I honestly think it’s better than that 28% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But even if it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, that’s okay. I do have to admit, though, the critics probably have a point about *that* other one being pretty bad.

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2025-10-19 06:46