If you know me, you know I”m not the biggest fan of HALLOWEEN. I don’t hate it, I’m just more of a Freddy girl. He’s a sarcastic little fucker like me and I can’t help but love him. That being said, I still, and always will, appreciate HALLOWEEN for what it’s done for horror and cinema in general. It’s one of the most iconic films ever made with one of the most legendary horror icons to ever grace the screen. The Boogeyman. The Shape. Michael Myers.

Haddonfield would never be the same again. No one would ever be the same again.

I had heard about the documentary, FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOOGEYMAN: 40 YEARS OF HALLOWEEN, knowing that a lot of people from the indie horror community were involved with it, but that’s all I really knew. I wish I had paid more attention sooner because after watching it, I was simply mesmerized.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOOGEYMAN: 40 YEARS OF HALLOWEEN is written and directed by Paul Downey. Several faces from the indie community grace us with their presence throughout the film including Dave McRae, Jack Norman, James Secker, P.J. Starks, Richard Stringham, Troy Escamilla, Brett DeJager, Rocky Gray, Daniel Mark Young, Nathan Thomas Milliner, J. Blake Fichera, Nils Reucker, Evan Tapper, James Morrissey, Chris Johnson, and James Plumb. The artwork was done by Paul Stier and Nathan Thomas Milliner, both known in the community for their outstanding art.

This documentary is by fans and for the fans, chronicling why John Carpenter’s classic has stood the test of time. It brings together some of the strongest and most talented people from independent horror to talk about what makes this film so unique, so special. Everyone has their own take on HALLOWEEN from the iconic music, to the legendary mask, and to why everyone is still talking about this film 40 years later.

All bias aside, this is hands down one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Why you ask? Well, it’s simple. FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOOGEYMAN: 40 YEARS OF HALLOWEENis a group of filmmakers and artists who are passionate about the horror genre and their faces light up when they talk about it. HALLOWEEN isn’t just a movie to them, but a huge staple in their life for different reasons. It impacted what they do for a living and how they view the world of horror and cinema. It’s such a genuine and heartfelt blueprint of why HALLOWEEN is so special.

I’m very involved with the indie horror community, so I know most of the people involved in the documentary as well as the films they have created. I loved seeing how John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN molded each one of them into the artists they are today. All these artists have their own styles and different backgrounds yet one thing common: their love of Michael Myers. It’s honest, inspiring, and down-right entertaining to watch people talk about something they love unconditionally. Their expressions say it all and make you want to watch the film as soon as the credits roll.

Although I loved FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOOGEYMAN: 40 YEARS OF HALLOWEENmy only gripe is the lack of female representation from the indie horror community. There are so many talented women who are also inspired by HALLOWEEN and I would have loved to have heard what they have to say as well. Maybe there will be a part 2?

Finally, beyond the separate breakdowns of why HALLOWEEN stands the test of time, I really enjoyed the last bit of the documentary that wrapped up everything nicely in a blood drenched bow. From the commentary to the cinematography and music score, it’s a perfect love letter to an iconic film just in time before HALLOWEEN 2018 comes out.

So, grab your popcorn, sit back and relax and watch FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOOGEYMAN: 40 YEARS OF HALLOWEEN. A documentary for fans made by fans unlike any other.

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Tori Danielle

Co-Owner at PopHorror

Tori is a published author, co-owner of PopHorror.com, and lover all of things horror and macabre. She spends her days working at her full-time job and then coming home and spending endless hours writing for several sites. When she’s not working, she’s obsessing over everything Harry Potter and has officially received her invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She is also producing several upcoming films including 13 Fanboy. If she was a Pokémon she would be Jigglypuff. You can follow her on Twitter @twistedtori87 and on Instagram @twistedtori87.

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