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Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers poster

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

88 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Donald Pleasence Dr. Sam Loomis
Ellie Cornell Rachel Carruthers
Danielle Harris Jamie Lloyd
Tom Morga Michael Myers
George P. Wilbur Michael Myers
Michael Pataki Dr. Hoffman
Beau Starr Sheriff Ben Meeker
Kathleen Kinmont Kelly Meeker

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers | The Rewatchables

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Roger Ebert's review

Rating not yet verified
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:19Read transcript
  • No Ebert review could initially be found.
  • A chatbot supplies an alleged cynical-retread assessment, but cohosts challenge reliance on it; the review’s existence remains unverified.
  • The chatbot discussion turns into jokes about replacement podcast hosts and an explicitly rejected attraction claim.

Most Rewatchable Scene

Roof battle, trick-or-treat night and gas station are distinct final favorites.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:10Read transcript
  • The autumnal opening credits are praised; the director reportedly researched fall traditions.
  • The dangerous-patient transfer and finger-through-forehead kill are highlighted; failure to restrain or assess his strength is ridiculed.
  • Jamie’s nightmare and under-bed pull, followed by the gas station, are favorites; bandaged Myers could have carried the film instead of inconsistent masks.
  • Loomis’s warning about the endangered child and burning filling station is highlighted.
  • Trick-or-treating separation and the Rachel-Brady-Kelly triangle are nominated, including the coffee revenge and seduction trope.
  • Brady’s final resistance redeems him despite foolish gun handling; the roof battle is an explicit favorite.
  • Truck slaughter, the truck collision, mine-shaft fall and shocking ending are praised.
  • The roof is selected again; trick-or-treat night and the gas station are separate final favorites.

The most "year the movie came out" thing

Gas pumps, cash registers, vigilante mobs, no cellphones and the sheriff’s daughter are offered; the daughter is favored.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:59Read transcript
  • Gas pumps, cash registers, vigilante mobs, no cellphones and the sheriff’s daughter are offered; the daughter is favored.
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:18Read transcript
  • The sheriff’s daughter wins the unnecessary-nudity award.
  • The nomination prompts disagreement: gratuitous shower scenes are criticized, while horror nudity is defended as entertainment that lowers defenses before a kill.

Van Lathan Naughty White Girl Hall of Fame

A new hall of fame is proposed and the sheriff’s daughter is immediately inducted.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:18Read transcript
  • A new hall of fame is proposed and the sheriff’s daughter is immediately inducted.
  • Keeping this new hall of fame for future episodes is proposed.

What’s Aged the Best?

Vigilante mobs deepen the town story and Loomis’s strategy, though the all-white lynch-mob imagery draws an objection.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:10Read transcript
  • Vigilante mobs deepen the town story and Loomis’s strategy, though the all-white lynch-mob imagery draws an objection.
  • The absence of Black residents is questioned; the town’s drunken mobilization builds lore and is compared with later trilogy unrest.
  • Autumn horror and the little girl’s performance are praised.
  • The misty bridge, hitchhiking harassment and children’s cruel orphan taunts remain effective.
  • Myers’s dog hatred is put in both aged-best and aged-worst, with the golden retriever’s death especially upsetting.
  • The sexual-morality trope, score attributed to observed Alan Howworth and Carpenter’s theme are discussed.
  • The film’s sense of humor is praised.

What’s Aged the Worst?

Myers killing the golden retriever is disliked and explicitly appears in both aging categories.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:35Read transcript
  • Myers killing the golden retriever is disliked and explicitly appears in both aging categories.
  • The changing mask and blond schoolhouse hair are disliked; keeping the bandages is preferred.
  • Laurie’s death and young daughter seem contrived; a town-terror story without family ties is suggested, while Jamie Lee’s absence is the biggest loss.
  • Children know Myers’s identity while Brady inexplicably does not.
  • Missing impersonator kills, the blond wig and Rachel losing all eight children are criticized.
  • Loomis’s burn scar visibly changes shape and severity across the same day; makeup continuity is ridiculed.

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Myers collapsing into the sinkhole; the rocking-chair deep-focus composition

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:01Read transcript
  • Myers collapsing into the sinkhole and the rocking-chair/deep-focus composition are praised; the latter is compared with Night of the Hunter.

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The abandoned gas station and attached bar with Lincoln pictures are nominated.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:36Read transcript
  • The abandoned gas station and attached bar with Lincoln pictures are nominated.
  • A decrepit asylum is another favorite location; repurposing such sites for horror screenings is imagined.
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:43Read transcript
  • Kelly’s six huge cups of coffee are the choice, prompting questions about quantity and instant coffee.
  • Her reflexive coffee-making is interpreted as traditional-wife characterization contrasted with Rachel.
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:38Read transcript
  • Dr Hoffman is a compelling obstructive villain, but abandoning him midway is criticized.
  • Loomis is another choice, blamed for useless warnings and recurring failures.
  • The padded shape performer seems insufficiently athletic; a more capable athlete is preferred, with OJ floated and a later wrestler recalled uncertainly.

Half-Assed Internet Research

The script is said to have been rushed in13 days before a strike, explaining thin family-story decisions.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:16Read transcript
  • The script is said to have been rushed in13 days before a strike, explaining thin family-story decisions.
  • A19-death count including the dog is reported as exceeding the first two films combined; police-station deaths occur offscreen.

Favorite Kill

The forehead finger kill, Brady’s jaw crush and the truck driver’s face being torn off are separate favorites.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:53Read transcript
  • The forehead finger kill, Brady’s jaw crush and the truck driver’s face being torn off are separate favorites.

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Back for More Cash and Ten Years Later are proposed; the latter is not necessarily better than Return of Michael Myers.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:53Read transcript
  • Back for More Cash and Ten Years Later are proposed; the latter is not necessarily better than Return of Michael Myers.

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Myers is called the hero: a natural-selection force removing foolish victims.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:20Read transcript
  • Myers is called the hero: a natural-selection force removing foolish victims.
  • If this were the final Halloween, it would rank second; Jamie inheriting evil is a strong ending undermined by the fifth film.
  • Loomis should have been a disgraced unemployed alcoholic obsessive, perhaps incorporating the preacher role.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Pleasence is reported to have four marriages and five daughters, to drink two bottles of wine before a scene, and to be described as impaired in the S&L oral history (observed transcription); these allegations are unverified.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:03Read transcript
  • Pleasence is reported to have four marriages and five daughters, to drink two bottles of wine before a scene, and to be described as impaired in the S&L oral history (observed transcription); these allegations are unverified.

Casting What-Ifs

Carpenter’s script with Joe Dante attached was reportedly rejected; Carpenter and Hill sold their ownership, with later involvement and payment uncertain.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:27Read transcript
  • Carpenter’s script with Joe Dante attached was reportedly rejected; Carpenter and Hill sold their ownership, with later involvement and payment uncertain.
  • The writer observed as Alan B B McElroy reportedly had11 days to write, differing from the earlier13-day account.
  • Melissa Joan Hart and Rebecca Schaefer are reported audition candidates; Ellie Cornell reportedly chose this over Nightmare4.

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Bo Starr as the sheriff

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:36Read transcript
  • The doctor, observed Michael Potaki, is nominated via Happy Days and Rocky4, but Bo Starr as sheriff is preferred.
  • Brady counts for these hosts through Dazed and Confused, but limited later work undermines sustained that-guy status.

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

The sheriff’s daughter is favored; observed Richard Stay as Wade, aggressively flirting in the store, is another candidate.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:34Read transcript
  • The sheriff’s daughter is favored; observed Richard Stay as Wade, aggressively flirting in the store, is another candidate.

Recasting Couch

Jennifer Connolly is suggested as a more famous replacement for Ellie Cornell.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:56Read transcript
  • Jennifer Connolly is suggested as a more famous replacement for Ellie Cornell.
  • Justine Baitman is suggested with an objection that she is slightly too old.
  • Jennifer Anderson is recalled from Leprechaun; Courtney Cox is suggested with uncertainty about age.
  • Shannon Doherty draws a too-young concern; Winona Ryder is proposed for a more prestigious version.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Salt Lake City replaced Pasadena, imported leaves and squash supplied autumn, and George P Wilbur wore hockey pads.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:21Read transcript
  • Salt Lake City replaced Pasadena, imported leaves and squash supplied autumn, and George P Wilbur wore hockey pads.
  • An unused script about traumatized Lindsay and Tommy is described and preferred; a retained Lindsay reference may be a remnant.
  • Cornell reportedly cut her stomach on a nail during the roof stunt; Wilbur removed his mask between takes to reassure Harris.
  • The costume drugstore is identified as a location later seen in The Sandlot.
  • The first schoolhouse scene kept the rejected blond mask instead of being reshot.
  • An extra day of blood filming reportedly added extreme kills because the initial cut lacked violence; the decision is endorsed.

Apex Mountain

“Cops Do It by the Book” shirts; Kinmont (also offered)

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:37Read transcript
  • Cops Do It by the Book shirts are the clearest choice, with Kinmont also offered; Pleasence, the producer, Brady, Halloween and serial killers are rejected, and Dwight Little floated.
  • The returning serial killer or revived slasher franchises are considered, though repeated returns were already established.

Cruise or Hanks?

Elderly Cruise as deranged Loomis

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:18Read transcript
  • Young Cruise or Hanks could play Brady; elderly Cruise as deranged Loomis is preferred.
  • A gender-flipped babysitter lead is suggested, then the group settles on old Cruise.

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

No firm choice: The Shape, Haddonfielders, Haddonfield Horrors, or Cops Do It by the Bookers

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:36Read transcript
  • The Shape, Haddonfielders, Haddonfield Horrors and Cops Do It by the Bookers are floated without a firm final choice.

Picking Nits

Children knowing Jamie’s uncle, local adoptions and undeveloped town dysfunction

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:50Read transcript
  • Children knowing Jamie’s uncle, local adoptions and undeveloped town dysfunction are questioned.
  • The parents’ dinner consumes most of the film; leaving children on the anniversary of the killings is criticized.
  • Selling Myers masks and moving from suburban Haddonfield to farmland are questioned; a tourist-attraction explanation is floated.
  • Myers finding his niece at the drugstore, going unseen, driving a conspicuous stolen truck and fitting a mask over bandages strain credibility.
  • His knowledge of the power grid is implausible, with supernatural guidance jokingly offered.
  • Hoffman’s urgency to transfer Myers, hostility to Loomis, institutional hierarchy and federal-prisoner description are unclear.
  • Sending only two middle-aged paramedics after16 earlier murders is criticized.
  • Claims of Myers’s wasted muscles should have been checked rather than assumed.
  • The protective sheriff lets his daughter remain without pants or a bra around everyone during the emergency.
  • Myers knows the cemetery, power station and police station despite confinement since childhood.

Just One Oscar

Tentatively, the score; probably nobody

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:14Read transcript
  • Probably nobody, but the score is the tentative choice.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Why Jamie was not made the fifth film’s killer is questioned, with New Nightmare and Scream3 as later experiments.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:14Read transcript
  • Why Jamie was not made the fifth film’s killer is questioned, with New Nightmare and Scream3 as later experiments.
  • Loomis’s authority over police and hospital staff, coupled with his gun, is questioned.
  • The sheriff may have knowingly sent Brady to his death after learning about his daughter.
  • The shotgun impalement’s anatomical location and possible editing for graphic content remain uncertain.

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Halloween5 supplies the continuation: Myers survives the collapsed dynamited shaft, floats away, recuperates and kills his helper; Jamie’s mother survived and Jamie becomes mute in an institution.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:18Read transcript
  • Halloween5 supplies the continuation: Myers survives the collapsed dynamited shaft, floats away, recuperates and kills his helper; Jamie’s mother survived and Jamie becomes mute in an institution.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Do not publicize adopting the killer’s niece; avoid adopting her or move her away with a new identity.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:18Read transcript
  • Do not publicize adopting the killer’s niece; avoid adopting her or move her away with a new identity.
  • Check an allegedly atrophied killer’s actual strength before transferring him.

Who Won the Movie?

Two Myers choices, one Harris choice and a later music choice; no unanimous winner.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:04Read transcript
  • Danielle Harris, transcribed Daniel and normalized using official episode cast metadata, is selected for new life and the terrifying final image.
  • Two other choices favor Michael Myers, while respecting the Harris choice.
  • The music is so much better and wins the movie in the later response.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Danielle Harris
Speaker not identified
Michael Myers
Speaker not identified
Michael Myers
Speaker not identified
The music

Producer review

The invited producer finds this a natural follow-up to Halloween1 and enjoys the holiday-horror atmosphere and approachable kitsch.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:33Read transcript
  • The invited producer finds this a natural follow-up to Halloween1 and enjoys the holiday-horror atmosphere and approachable kitsch.
  • Stranger Things is compared through cursed towns, music and80s suburban atmosphere.
  • The producer enjoys the fun, comparatively restrained gore and music, ultimately saying music wins.
  • Poltergeist is the favorite of the month, while Hereditary is strongly disliked.

More from the conversation

The opening mocks survival after repeated injuries and coma, retained driving/navigation skills, and the failed supernatural Thorn Trilogy explanation; Above the Law is immediately corrected to Hard to Kill.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:25Read transcript
The 1988 horror-franchise boom prompts wishing Halloween had coherent planning; modern horror escape and Scream’s transferable mantle are compared with unrealized Halloween evil-transfer ideas.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:39Read transcript
Loomis is mocked as an ineffectual hype man delivering warnings on autopilot; the original film’s monologues are preferred.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:19Read transcript
Cable availability, brisk pacing, scares and athletic Myers roof, recliner and truck maneuvers make this a rewarding rewatch.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:05Read transcript
First-viewing nostalgia and Myers’s relentless vendetta combine with praise for Haddonfield as a frightened, culpable community; the Utah setting is questioned.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:38Read transcript
Jamie becoming a new killer is a missed direction; Halloween III’s anthology experiment is appreciated while V lacks the franchise’s seasonal atmosphere.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:58Read transcript
Opening credits immediately evoke Halloween; annual viewing rituals are compared with Christmas films and summer Jaws.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:08Read transcript
The film works as comedy as well as horror; Brady’s doomed resistance is funny, franchise competition favors familiar killers, and initial disappointment became affection.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:55Read transcript
Myers is explicitly preferred to Jason and Freddy, with observed Lother Face (candidate Leatherface, unverified spelling) the only competition. A separate response praises Kruger as funniest, most terrifying and most charismatic. These are differing partial preferences, not a complete ranking.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:27Read transcript
Suggested viewing sequences are expressly not rankings; Laurie’s death creates continuity confusion, and H2O earns praise.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:48Read transcript
H2O was a personal favorite for a long time, associated with seeing it in high school.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:51Read transcript
The cheap-thrill B-movie experience and roughly88-minute pace are praised; Thorn mythology is mocked and a5-million budget/17.8-million gross reported.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:31Read transcript
Loomis is thought willing to shoot Jamie; whether Myers deliberately spares him is debated, and a psychiatrist carrying a gun is questioned.
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:10Read transcript
An actress-married-Lorenzo-Lamas claim is explicitly corrected to a Renegade co-star story and reported firing; the observed actress name is Kathleen Kinmot, identity unresolved.
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:31Read transcript
Kelly’s seduction strategy, threatening advice and lack of pants are discussed, with Varsity Blues comparison and questions about Brady’s appeal.
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:54Read transcript
The hosts tease the producer about similarities to Brady’s romantic predicament; he acknowledges possible parallels while declining details.
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:45Read transcript
Scary Month closes; another is contemplated for Halloween2025, and Shrek as a palate cleanser is only a rejected suggestion, not a announced episode.
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:10Read transcript