Halloween III: Season Of The Witch (1982)

Much like A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2, this curious film was reviled by fans upon its release but has become a sort of cult classic in the years following. In this case, what angered moviegoers about Halloween III: Season of the Witch is pretty glaring – this is not a true Halloween sequel and, in fact, really has nothing to do with the franchise with which it shares its name. The story goes that Halloween creators John Carpenter and Debra Hill, believing Michael Myers had run his course, were hoping to turn the series into a horror anthology of films taking place around the titular fall holiday. Needless to say, this decision didn’t go over well with audience members who thought they were paying to see another chapter in the killing spree of their favorite masked slasher.

However, viewers who can approach this maligned film without the weight of rigid expectations will find Halloween III a rewardingly strange and unexpected experience. The plot is, unquestionably, one of the most absurd and illogical concepts you’ll ever find in a mainstream Hollywood film. Without going into too much detail, it involves a sinister conspiracy – conducted by an Irish-themed novelty company – to turn the world’s population into pagan witches via a complex plan involving children’s Halloween masks, a nationally broadcast TV commercial, and Stonehenge.

Tom Atkins is genuinely excellent in the lead role as an oddly charmingly divorcee with a drinking problem. The fact that this boozy bachelor caught in a mid-life crisis is our protagonist, such a welcome departure from the standard slasher fodder of chaste virgins and partying teens, speaks to Halloween III‘s daft, distinctive tone. The horror scenes are unique as well – disturbing and surreal, involving hypnosis, insects, and writhing snakes. Director/writer Tommy Lee Wallace doesn’t quite stick the landing, but I’m certainly happy we live in a world where this weird-ass movie exists.