Halloween II (1981 film)

Halloween II is a 1981 American slasher film directed by Rick Rosenthal and written and produced by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. It is a direct sequel to the 1978 horror film Halloween, picking up immediately after the events of the first film.

The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, Donald Pleasence as Dr. Sam Loomis, and Dick Warlock as Michael Myers. Halloween II continues the story of Michael Myers's murderous rampage through Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night. Following his attack on Laurie Strode, Myers stalks her to the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, where she is receiving treatment. Dr. Loomis, meanwhile, attempts to track down Myers and put an end to his terror.

Halloween II expands on the mythology of Michael Myers, revealing (though later retconned) that Laurie Strode is Michael's sister. This revelation provides a motivation for Myers's relentless pursuit of her. The film is known for its increased gore and violence compared to its predecessor, a reflection of the evolving slasher genre in the early 1980s.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, Halloween II has since garnered a significant cult following. It is considered a significant entry in the Halloween franchise and contributed to the enduring popularity of the slasher genre. The film spawned numerous sequels and reboots, establishing Michael Myers as one of the most iconic horror villains in cinema history. The musical score, composed by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth, is also highly regarded.