The studios behind two movies opening this weekend, “The Final Destination” (do you believe that?) and “Halloween II,” did not screen the films for critics. Here’s what you can expect from each.
Halloween II (R)
What is it? Mental patient/boogeyman Michael Myers is back, cutting up teens and tracking down his little sister. It’s a remake of the 1981 sequel to John Carpenter’s 1978 horror hit “Halloween.”
Why didn’t Dimension Films show it to the press? “We are not screening the film for critics or promotionally,” the studio said in a statement. “Not unlike some other blockbusters this summer, we are holding the suspense for opening.” Ooooh, can’t you feel the suspense building?
Why we’d see it: Musician-turned-filmmaker Rob Zombie has real talent (see his “Halloween” remake and, even better, “The Devil’s Rejects”).
Why we wouldn’t: We’re burned out on the franchise. Aren’t nine “Halloween” movies enough? ROBERT W. BUTLER, THE KANSAS CITY STAR
The Final Destination (R)
What is it? Fourth and reportedly last entry in this horror series about young people confronted with visions of their impending deaths. They try to escape their fates, but death always catches up.
Why didn’t Warner Bros. show it to the press? The last time a “Final Destination” film screened for critics was back in 2000 with the original.
Why we’d see it: The action sequences — these teens die in some of the most outlandish “accidents” imaginable — are off the charts … and they ought to be cool in 3-D. We also appreciate the series’ sick sense of humor.
Why we wouldn’t: They’re all the same movie with interchangeable (not to mention disposable) cast members. ROBERT W. BUTLER, THE KANSAS CITY STAR
