Although Jamie Lee Curtis is perhaps most associated with the Halloween film franchise, there have been plenty of other stars in the middle, including Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton. Danielle Harris played young Jamie Lloyd in both Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. She also appeared as a new version of Annie Brackett for Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake Halloween and its 2009 sequel, Halloween II. She starred in both of Rob Zombie’s films alongside Scout Taylor-Compton, who portrayed the franchise’s new version of Laurie Strode. Now both Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton have given their thoughts on the newest installment of the franchise – Halloween Ends.
The film was discussed on the latest episode of their podcast, Talk Scary to Me. Many fans of the franchise have had mixed feelings regarding the new installment. And, as it turns out, Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton each feel the same way.
Here’s how they began their discussion:
“It was a really cool story if it was about a new serial killer and what it was like for someone to become a serial killer … but then they just kind of threw Michael Myers in there, is what it seemed like to me,” said Scout Taylor-Compton.
With that said, they did praise some elements in the film. For example, despite having problems with him being a new killer, both felt Rohan Campbell did a great job as Corey Cunningham. However, Danielle Harris was disappointed over the focus on him as opposed to Michael Myers.
“Where are the kills? Where’s Michael? What the hell is going on?”
Scout Taylor-Compton agreed, claiming Michael Myers “was so weak.” Furthermore, they thought that his appearance at the 40-minute mark was “so long for a Halloween Michael Myers movie, and the end, for him not to show up and not be strong as fuck.” This seemed to mirror many complaints shared by fans, including the following:
“I was mortified when he went into that tunnel and [Corey] almost beat his ass. I was mortified,” Taylor-Compton continued. “I almost couldn’t look, I was so traumatized about what was happening.”
In addition, she thought that this was “not the Michael Myers that we deserve.” She even felt bad for James Jude Courtney, the actor that portrayed Michael in the film. “That is not it. That’s not the last Michael Myers [movie]. I felt so bad for James [Jude Courtney]. Like, this is the end of your Michael Myers?” As such, they both felt like the Corey Cunningham character had the better kills in the film.
“I much preferred his kills to Michael Myers’ kills. He’s the only thing that kept me interested … but it shouldn’t have been a Halloween movie.”
They also felt the same about the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers, with Scout Taylor-Compton adding:
“[Michael] was so weak that I felt so ashamed watching this — ‘I can’t watch this. This is mortifying, I can’t watch this.'”
She further said that the film helped her understand how fans feel when they criticize her own movies.
“I know how hard it is to make movies. I also don’t want to offend anybody that made the movie. It’s just our opinion,” Taylor-Compton said. “Now I get when people have opinions about my movies and your movies — I get it.”
“Because you’re invested in Michael,” Harris added. “I completely understand,” Taylor-Compton continued. “That’s why I don’t take offense when people come up to my table [at conventions] and goes, ‘I didn’t like your movies, but can I have your autograph?’ [Laughs.] So I get it. Now we get it. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.” Danielle Harris summed up their criticisms with the following: “There were things that I think we were hoping for knowing this was the end, but we just didn’t leave feeling like we got what we wanted.”
It’s definitely unfortunate that Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton were disappointed with Halloween Ends. Indeed, many fans that watched Halloween Ends have vocalized similar complaints. But with this being the thirteenth installment – many other fans were ecstatic to have something new and different to conclude this storyline. So, as time continues, perhaps there will be a more positive reception for this divisive entry.
David Gordon Green returned to direct Halloween Ends, following his work on its predecessors, Halloween and Halloween Kills.
The cast for the new sequel includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, and Kyle Richards. James Jude Courtney will return to play the role of The Shape alongside original Michael Myers actor Nick Castle.
Fans can currently see Halloween Ends in theaters or streaming on Peacock. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.