Halloween II slasher review
Written by Josh Brewer, October 14, 2016, at 5:45 p.m.
Title: Halloween II
Director: Rick Rosenthal
Writer(s): John Carpenter, Debra Hill
Release Date: October 30, 1981
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Charles Cyphers, Lance Guest, Pamela Susan Shoop, Dick Warlock
Halloween II Cliff’s Notes
Picking up right where the last film left off, Laurie Strode is on her way to the hospital for a little well-earned recovery time. However, Michael is still on the loose and be-lines for her after spending half of the movie just kinda walking around. Loomis follows.
Lecture
How do you follow up one of the best horror flicks of all time? Well, by following the folks that are left and selling out, according to Halloween II. All of the previous elements are here: Laurie, Loomis, violence, Michael, sex, and a great score. Alas, here it doesn’t land quite as well. The film is really uneven, spending tons of time with Michael as he recovers from his wounds and gets going for round two. Loomis wastes four hours looking in the wrong direction and only manages to impact the ending. Laurie is back, but spends so much of the flick injured, it’s hard for her to maintain her impact on the story. The entire thing feels stretched out and unpolished.
It doesn’t help that there was all kinds of turmoil in getting the flick out, with Carpenter doing reshoots to add to the flick. Usually, I lothe this idea, but Rosenthal’s other work is so spotty, right here, that I can see why it would happen. It doesn’t do much to help the pacing and plot of the flick- apparently no one knows what a phone is in the entire town- or get around a slew of inconsistencies- I have never in my life seen a hospital this empty- but it certainly makes the last act pretty stellar.
And that’s when the film really rocks out. Once Michael is in the hospital and we’re back in the chase of the thing, Halloween II really picks up. Tension drips from the white walls and the kills, toned up thanks to Carpenter, really help to define Michael more clearly. Add to that a pair of fine performances from Curtis and Pleasence and you’ve got yourself one heck of a slasher flick.
Acting
Curtis has always rocked Laurie Strode, and this is not exception. She’s vulnerable but still strong, vibrant and realistic. Cyphers, Guest, and Shoop do well with what they’re given, though the script has a tendency to lose them for a little bit. Warlock is, by far, my favorite Michael. His movements and demeanor are top-notch and the guy is all kinds of scare. But the highlight is Pleasence, who takes his neurotic Loomis and brings him to a brand new level. You can feel the pressure building up on the good doctor and watch how it affects his psyche. Amazing work!
Directing
This one is a little tricky, cause Carpenter did the reshoots. Rosenthal’s work lacks pace and clarity, especially compared to Carpenter’s. He does manage to get some nice work out of his actors, but it’s really Carpenter’s work that holds the flick together. Rosenthal is derivative at best.
Script
Meh. This puppy depends on characters not knowing information, which is a lazy way to go. Add to that the lackluster new characters and tendency to lose the leads for a period of time and the result shuffles along without being that interesting. At least they’re giving Loomis something to do.
Effects
Halloween II boasts more blood than the original, which is a-OK in my book. Stabbings, drownings, and a few nasty gunshots set us up while a pair of fire effects knock us down.
Highlights
The hospital chase. I swear, before my re-watching of Halloween II, I was sure this was the largest part of the flick. It’s the only thing that has stuck with me through all of the years.
Lowlights
Where are the people in this hospital? The entire place has more nurses that adult patients. Took me out of the flick more than once.
Halloween-iness
Pretty darn Halloween-y. Halloween II manages all of the elements of the franchise – Laurie, Loomis, Michael, tone, and the violence – and gives them to us in spades. The most Halloween-y of the sequels.
Final Thoughts
Lesser than the original, but saved by Carpenter and some fine performances, Halloween II diminishes the effect by half, but still proves itself as one of the best in the series.
Grade: B
COMPLETE BELLATOR 260 FIGHT CARD
LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov on Friday, June 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the promotion’s first show in America with fans in attendance since the start of the pandemic and airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
BELLATOR’s 170-pound kingpin Douglas Lima (32-8) returns to the welterweight division to put his title on the line against undefeated and No. 1 ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0) in a must-watch main event clash.
In addition to the headliner, the entirety of the BELLATOR 260 main card on SHOWTIME is stacked, including a 175-pound contract weight co-main event pitting legendary No. 6 ranked welterweight Paul Daley (43-17-2) against the streaking No. 3 ranked welterweight Jason Jackson (14-4). Also, a featherweight feature fight between the hard-hitting No. 6 ranked Aaron Pico (7-3) versus Birmingham’s Aiden Lee (9-4) and a welterweight showdown betweenDemarques Jackson (11-5) and Mark Lemminger (9-0, 1 NC). The newly announced fifth and final main card bout features a showdown between No. 10 ranked Vanessa Porto (5-3) and Pitbull Brothers-product Ilara Joanne (9-5) in a 128-pound contract weight bout.
The preliminary card is locked in with six action-packed fights, highlighted by a featherweight battle between No. 9 ranked Tywan Claxton (6-2) and the undefeated Justin Gonzales (11-0), who is making his BELLATOR debut. Meanwhile, hometown hero and fan-favorite Nick Newell (16-3) is set to square off against Bobby King (9-3) in a lightweight bout and 20-year-old phenom Lucas Brennan (4-0) prepares for a 150-pound contract weight clash with Matthew Skibicki (4-3). Also, two-time NCAA All-American wrestling standout Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) will take on undefeated welterweight Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC) to cap off this stacked preliminary card.
All BELLATOR 260 prelims will stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.
As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.
Full bout listings are below:
BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:
Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Welterweight World Title Main Event: c-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)
175-pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: #6-Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (14-4)
Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (7-3) vs. Aiden Lee (9-4)
128-pound Contract Weight Bout: #10-Vanessa Porto (22-9) vs. Ilara Joanne (9-5)
Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)
Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) vs. Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC)
Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)
Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)
150-pound Contract Weight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)
Featherweight Bout: #8-Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Alex Polizzi (7-1) vs. Gustavo Trujillo (3-1)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
8 Lingerie Gifts She’ll Love
There’s nothing quite as sad as losing the bedroom spark you once had.
Life is busy for many adults between job responsibilities, managing a family, and investing in other hobbies of life. It’s amazing to have the support of a partner through it all, but it’s hard to watch the bedroom chemistry die.
Fortunately, the spark in the bedroom doesn’t have to go out! There are plenty of ways to pick up the passion, including buying some spicy lingerie. Lingerie is intimate and sexy, and it gives the perfect excuse for some much-needed fun.
Below are 8 lingerie gifts she’ll be sure to love. Whether you’re buying it for a honeymoon or just another Wednesday night, these gifts will heat things up.
1. Satin Nightdress
One of the best lingerie gifts for someone who may be too shy to look too risque is a satin nightdress. Not only does it serve as a practical nightgown, but it’s also sexy and appealing.
To make it even sexier, buy a nightdress that’s form-fitting or just a tad shorter than what she’d normally wear. The short dress can be paired with lace panties, thigh-highs, or nothing at all.
Even if you don’t take things to the bedroom, lounging on the couch together while she’s in a satin dress will still definitely make the makeout session hotter.
2. Lace Bodysuit
Lace bodysuits are great because they highlight the curves of the body. Even though they offer more coverage than a bra and panties would, they’re still just as sexy.
Bodysuits are also wonderful options for women who may not feel comfortable in two-piece sets but who are wanting to explore lingerie. They give any woman a boost of confidence, and they can come with a variety of fun details.
Look at bodysuits with a thong bottom, an open back, or sexy cut-outs. There are plenty of styles to explore.
3. Sheer Robe
When buying an intimate gift, keep in mind it doesn’t have to be contained in the bedroom. A sheer robe is great for building tension and attraction before things become too heated.
She can wear the sheer robe over other lingerie sets or over nothing at all. Not only are sheer robes sexy, but they’re also great for wearing while putting on makeup or fixing hair. She may even wear it while cooking breakfast the morning after a spicy date.
Other gifts you can include alongside the robe are bottles of champagne, delicious carryout food for the night, or some relaxing bath salts for her to use.
4. Leather Lingerie
For those feeling more adventurous behind closed doors, leather looks are hot! Leather adds an edgy feel to foreplay, and it knows how to highlight all the right curves on her body.
Experimenting with a leather look is also a great time to introduce exciting bedroom accessories such as handcuffs, whips, or bondage straps. Make sure to have a talk with your partner before introducing all these things. Define any and all boundaries, and inquire about each other’s fantasies.
If she feels like taking the leather lingerie look even further, she can wear high heels or leather gloves. Some people even find it fun to add a mask to the mix.
5. A Garter Belt and Thigh-Highs
Nothing is sexier than watching her walk in the room wearing your favorite pair of thigh-highs. Gift her a new garter belt to help keep them up.
A garter belt is a piece of lingerie placed around the waist, above the panties. The belt has two long clips that are used to secure thigh-highs are other types of thigh restraints.
Garter belts come in a variety of fashions, such as floral lace patterns or high-waisted lace. No matter what style you choose, it’s going to elevate her lingerie look.
6. Matching Bra and Panty Sets
Make that special someone feel beautiful in matching bra and panty sets. Many women find themselves throwing on whatever bra and panty they pull out first of the draw. A matching set is bound to bring confidence.
When picking out this intimate gift, think about what colors she feels most confident in. Does she usually lean towards a sleek black look? Has she been wanting to try out a hot pink?
Spend time picking out which style of panty you’d like to buy her. You can usually select between low-rise, high-waisted, or a thong style.
Lingerie can be expensive to buy so it’s best to spend time searching for deals. There are plenty of coupons, including the one here, to help you with your search.
7. Roleplay Lingerie
Are you ready to experiment in the bedroom? Purchase your partner some sexy roleplay lingerie.
This is the perfect opportunity to explore each other’s fantasies, and it’s nothing to feel ashamed about. Try out a sexy nurse outfit, or give the typical sexy cop a try.
If you aren’t sure where to start, go to a sex store together to browse what’s available.
8. Fun Sex Toys
While sex toys aren’t necessarily lingerie, they are the best presents to give alongside new lingerie. Ask your partner what type of sex toys she enjoys or what she’s been wanting to try. You can even ask employees at a sex shop what vibrators have been popular recently.
Are you not ready to buy a vibrator? Try simple things like warming lubes, rose petals for the bed, or sex dice. There are plenty of fun things you can use to explore your sexual fantasies.
Spice Things Up, Give Lingerie Gifts
Have things been seeming a bit dull in the bedroom? Check out the above 8 lingerie gifts you can buy her to light the fire.
If you’re looking for something a tad less adventurous, look at a satin nightdress or sexy sheer robe. For something spicier, buy some leather lingerie or roleplay outfits. Add fun sex toys and bondage accessories if you’re wanting to take things to a whole new level.
For more fun lifestyle tips and tricks, check out the rest of our site. We offer an array of articles on things like fashion, home improvement, and the outdoors.
Legendary Games You Have Never Heard Of
Video games have become a part of everyday life.
They are a favorite pastime for millions around the globe. The industry is booming, and there are more genres and gaming platforms now more than ever. There’s also an endless supply of different games and thousands that await their release.
While most gamers are aware of the titles that get showered with praise, sell millions of copies, and have maintained loyal fanbases over the years, others are gems that remain obscure or forgotten. Nevertheless, their uniqueness, or impact, should not be understated, and their names should remain in the annals of gaming history. So, let us look into some that were worthy of a place on our list.
Starburst
You probably don’t know this one, unless you are an online casino aficionado. If you are, then you’re well-aware of the most popular online slot game ever. Released in 2012, from industry powerhouse NetEnt, Starburst still claims the number one spot as the most played slot in the world. If you’re not familiar with online slots, these games differ greatly from the simple three-reel machines you’ve seen in movies about Las Vegas.
They have advanced graphics, exclusive soundtracks, and complex gameplay. They provide prizes thousands of times a player’s bet, and you can enter free spins rounds where you gamble for free. You can often see it tied in with welcome bonuses at many online casinos. The best part about this game is that you can play it at any time and place. If you are wondering where can you get access to games of this character – you can play slots online at this site.
Psychonauts
Based on a concept by director Tim Schafer, who was toying with the idea while developing the 1995 Lucasarts game Full Throttle, Psychonauts is a platforming game, which is a subgenre of action games. Platformers use jumping and climbing to navigate environments and reach goals. It tells the story of a boy with psychic powers who sneaks into a camp, only to find out there’s something sinister going on. Despite positive reviews, with emphasis on the artwork and level design, the game sold poorly. Over the years, it has amassed a cult following, often classified as an overlooked gem.
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
Another platforming game, released by EA Games in 2002 and developed by Australian Krome Studios. The game features a title character wandering an island, getting into adventures, and platforming puzzles. It’s similar to the Crash Bandicoot games. Many think it is way better. The gameplay got mixed reviews, with some noting that it heavily borrows from the Mario series. It did manage to sell over a million copies and earned a big enough following to where a remastered version hit the market in 2016.
Interstate ‘76
Now, everyone knows that GTA 5 is the best-selling game of all time. But what similar games preceded it? Well, Interstate ’76 came out a few months before the original GTA, and it featured 3D graphics and more advanced gameplay. Two years later, Interstate ’82 came out, and it had an equally exciting story-mode, complete with thrilling vehicular combat. These games were kind of GTA before GTA, and they set the tone for the direction the franchise went into after the second game.
Bader vs. Machida 2
REMATCH: Bader vs. Machida 2.
LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has today confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 256: Bader vs. Machida 2 this Friday, April 9 inside the “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the second of three straight weeks of action on SHOWTIME with the card set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. ET.
The BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix kicks off with a Quarterfinal matchup featuring former two-division champion and No. 1 contender Ryan Bader (27-6, 1 NC) and fourth-ranked Lyoto Machida (26-10) in an exciting rematch between the two veterans.
Four other exciting bouts round out the BELLATOR MMA 256 main card on SHOWTIME.
The fights include No. 2 Liz Carmouche (14-7) taking on the debuting Vanessa Porto (22-8) at flyweight, a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 3 Cat Zingano (11-4) and Knoxville, Tennessee-native Olivia Parker (4-1), a men’s featherweight contest pitting No. 3 Adam Borics (16-1) against No. 8 Jeremy Kennedy (16-2, 1 NC) and No. 3 Goiti Yamauchi (25-4) versus newly signed Dan Moret (14-6) in an explosive opening lightweight bout.
As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.
The preliminary card is set for eight bouts and is highlighted by a battle of top-10 bantamweights, as No. 8 Cass Bell (5-1) takes on No. 10 Jornel Lugo (5-0). Plus, undefeated middleweight Dalton Rosta (4-0), former featherweight title challenger Talita Nogueira (7-2), undefeated featherweight prospect Cody Law (2-0) and lightweight Nainoa Dung (3-2) are also scheduled to compete. All prelims will stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below:
BELLATOR MMA 256: Bader vs. Machida 2 Main Card:
SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Light Heavyweight WGP Quarterfinal Bout: #1-Ryan Bader (27-6, 1 NC) vs. #4-Lyoto Machida (26-10)
Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Liz Carmouche (14-7) vs. Vanessa Porto (22-8)
Featherweight Bout: #3-Adam Borics (16-1) vs. #8-Jeremy Kennedy (16-2, 1 NC)
Featherweight Bout: #3-Cat Zingano (11-4) vs. Olivia Parker (4-1)
Lightweight Bout: #3-Goiti Yamauchi (25-4) vs. Dan Moret (14-6)
Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Middleweight Bout: Dalton Rosta (4-0) vs. Tony Johnson (9-2)
Featherweight Bout: Talita Nogueira (7-2) vs. Jessica Borga (3-2)
Bantamweight Bout: #8-Cass Bell (5-1) vs. #10-Jornel Lugo (5-0)
Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (2-0) vs. Nathan Ghareeb (2-0)
Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (1-0) vs. Jeffrey Glossner (2-1)
Lightweight Bout: Nainoa Dung (3-2) vs. Izzy William (4-3)
Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (2-0) vs. Tara Graff (1-2)
Bantamweight Bout: John Douma (4-2) vs. Will Smith (3-2)
About BELLATOR:
BELLATOR is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME.