Halloween III, aka the only Halloween in the franchise not to feature beloved psycho killer Michael Myers, was maligned upon its release in 1982 most notably due to the sharp turn that was made with this film when compared to the two previous Halloween films. However, this hatred has subsided in recent years.
 
Television airplay, especially in October, and with many new film viewers has helped develop a loyal following which has helped it become something of a Halloween classic in recent years. The assistance of learning about the films background has also aided many in re-examining it.
 
Halloween III was intended to kick off a new tradition with the Halloween franchise which planned to have a new film released every year with a plot revolving around Halloween. These plans were scrapped when the general public spoke with their wallets upon the release. Years later Halloween 4 was released and Michael Myers retook control of the series.
 
The plot of Halloween III involves a very popular Halloween mask making company, Silver Shamrock, plotting to kill millions of children in America on Halloween. The company plans to carry their evil scheme out by sending a signal through the TV that will set off a trigger in the masks that the children are to be wearing when watching a special broadcast from the company which is highly publicized. This trigger will cause the children to somehow melt and leave behind an insect and snake filled mess…don’t ask.
 
The idea behind the film is, let’s say, fairly far fetched but the same can be said for a great deal of horror films so it is best to sit back and enjoy the ride and what a fun and confusing ride it is!
 
The main characters that set out to stop this evil plot are Dr. Dan Challis played by horror veteran Tom Atkins and Ellie Grimbridge, whose father’s death sets the duo off on the hunt to find the truth within the bizarre happenings.
 
This is not a gory film by any means and much of the would-be blood is instead replaced by what vaguely resembles Nickelodeon green slime, but there is enough violence and gore to hold the attention of viewers who are into gory horror films.
 
When the film finally wraps to its illogical conclusion many viewers may be befuddled by the incessant screaming of “Turn it off! Stop it! Stop it!” Pay no heed and don’t over think it too much. This is not a film to be over analyzed and instead makes for a fantastic film to watch with friends while enjoying a few beers to help ring in the Halloween season.
 
Final Verdict: Halloween III is far from a classic horror film, but it certainly makes for enjoyable viewing. The plot and the full title (Halloween III: Season of the Witch) really don’t make a lot of sense in the long run. Sometimes though, it is great to just sit back and enjoy a film at face value but it does have enough Halloween scenery to set the mood for this time of year and I dare you to not get the Silver Shamrock song stuck in your head!