Review: HELLOWEEN Offers A Killer Clown Horror Mash-Up
Reviewing horror movies can be difficult. The genre has its own rules, and it can work on two different levels. Some films exist purely to entertain, while others serve as allegories for current events. Both approaches are totally valid, but it’s the execution that matters most. That’s how these movies should be judged – based on their aims, vision – and most importantly – their execution. Budget and scope don’t matter. What ultimately counts is how the final product works for the audience.
This brings us nicely along to the low-budget British horror film, Helloween. Phil Claydon’s killer clown pic pays homage to a wide selection of genre efforts such as Halloween, Joker, The Silence of the Lambs and Terrifier – and they converge in an energetic and entertaining piece of schlock horror. I dare you to play a drinking game spotting which is which!
Phil Claydon’s Helloween uses the hysteria of 2016’s killer clown craze (remember that?) as the starting point for this genre mash-up. Psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Marks (Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott) and investigative journalist John Parker (Michael Paré – always good value) discover that caged serial killer Carl Cane (Ronan Summers) is planning something deadly and sinister from his prison cell. Before you can say ‘Michael Myers’, Cane escapes and kicks off a series of events as his minions wreak havoc across the country.
Low on budget, but big on vision, Claydon delivers a film that’s perfect for late-night viewing – ideally with a couple of beers and few slices of pizza. It all harkens back to the golden age of the VHS era, when horror movies littered the shelves of video rental shops around the world. This hits all the right notes for those craving some old-school horror thrills – it’s not a film that tries to reinvent the genre – it’s a flick with no pretensions above its station.
I like that Claydon and company have embraced their limitations while still trying to broaden the scope of their film. We get multiple characters in different locations, which helps the story take off in several unexpected directions. Helloween uses its settings to strong effect, offering-up creative lighting choices that add visual flair. I’m always on board for a bit of neon lighting.
Those expecting a game-changing horror movie may be disappointed, but viewers looking for an 1980s-style throwback that blends modern tech with some fun plot twists will find plenty to enjoy in Helloween.
