Halloween shows the horrific creation and disturbing growth of the serial killer Michael Myers. Rob Zombie reimagines this horror classic, putting his stamp on the Halloween story. There are stabbings, bludgeoning, and general mayhem.

At ten years old, Michael Myers (Daeg Faerch) spends his days trying to avoid the abuse of his step father, ignore the neglect of his mother and steer clear of bullies at school. His mother Deborah (Sheri Moon Zombie) makes attempts to be a good mother but refuses to ditch the loser. One day at school his sanity is shattered and the Michael Myers we all know and love is born. He is sent to live at a sanitarium and is treated by Dr. Samuel Loomis (Malcolm McDowell.)

By showing the abuse that Myers suffered, director and writer Rob Zombie humanizes Myers in Halloween. It is a big risk to make the villain tragic. Instead of leaving you trembling and wondering why he is a psychopath, you could mourn his lost childhood and take pity on him. Much to Zombie’s credit, I felt both for Myers. There are scenes in the movie I wished a character would give him any attention, the slightest affection. At the same time I hoped they wouldn’t because I didn’t trust Myers not to kill the person showing affection.

Zombie took, with one exception, the camp out of his version of Halloween. I don’t find horror movies scary because they are usually so campy. Zombie’s style doesn’t shy away from realism. Zombie shamelessly portrays violence in Halloween with all the ghastly, stomach turning seriousness it deserves. His style, a change from horror directors of the past, is often disgusting but always frightening.