My Thoughts on 'White Trash: The Movie' AKA 'Halloween' (2007)

[Chakor Channing]

Alright, so I've read through everything that you wrote.  I regret to inform the Zombie fans that, in spite of the message that Rob is trying to/does deliver in the film, I still don't care for it.  People argue that Rob had more respect for the franchise than the folks behind Resurrection, but, to me, turning the character of Michael Myers into white trash (or a hillbilly, however you want to put it) doesn't translate to having any more respect for the franchise than the people behind the aforementioned film.  Irregardless what message Rob sends in the film, the terrible atmosphere, terrible acting, etc., made it nearly unwatchable for me.  I'd sooner sit through Syfy's Mothman in its entirety again before I'd ever even try to watch the RZ remake again.  Remember, the acting, atmosphere, etc., is only terrible in my opinion, although I would be genuinely "wowed" by anyone that would argue that the acting and atmosphere in the RZ remake is better than any of the films that I enjoy.

I know this will bother you, but what I'm about to write is strictly my honest opinion.  Although I currently have nothing against Rob Zombie as a person, if he ever announced that he was going to remake any of the horror/monster films that I actually enjoy, I would hunt him down and beat him with a baseball bat before I'd let him defame said films.

[AlwaysWitty]

Alright, so I've read through everything that you wrote.  I regret to inform the Zombie fans that, in spite of the message that Rob is trying to/does deliver in the film, I still don't care for it.  People argue that Rob had more respect for the franchise than the folks behind Resurrection, but, to me, turning the character of Michael Myers into white trash (or a hillbilly, however you want to put it) doesn't translate to having any more respect for the franchise than the people behind the aforementioned film.  Irregardless what message Rob sends in the film, the terrible atmosphere, terrible acting, etc., made it nearly unwatchable for me.  I'd sooner sit through Syfy's Mothman in its entirety again before I'd ever even try to watch the RZ remake again.

I know this will bother you, but what I'm about to write is strictly my honest opinion.  Although I currently have nothing against Rob Zombie as a person, if he ever announced that he was going to remake any of the horror/monster films that I actually enjoy, I would hunt him down and beat him with a baseball bat before I'd let him defame said films.

See, here's the thing: you may not think Rob had respect for the film, but it doesn't mean you're right. You don't get to decide how he thinks or how he feels. I'd rather take HIM at HIS word. There's an incredible irony in the fact that you think I'm attacking you for your opinion on the film when I've made myself perfectly clear that I'm criticizing your constant annoying attitude that you're better than everyone else. It's apparent in the way you started a thread on lost footage from the original Halloween only to insist that people beg you for the information, it's apparent in the way you continue to be passive-aggressive about the opinions of others, it's apparent in the way you started a thread about this Halloween film and demanded that I explain myself before you bother to read my rather lengthy and thoughtful opinion of it, and it's apparent in the fact that you just now made a hypothetical threat of physical violence against Rob because of the possibility that he might make a movie you don't like, and did so without a care in the world about who might find that disgusting and stupid, and before you pretend that you do care about such things, I'll remind you that this threat was preceded by "I know this will bother you, but what I'm about to write is strictly my honest opinion." That you would even make such a threat although you "currently have nothing against Rob Zombie as a person" only makes it that much worse, because you've even admitted that your motivation for such violence is a matter entirely trivial and without any logical justification.

[long live kong]

I loved The Devil's Rejects. It cracked my top 10 all time favorite horror films. Well, actually, it is a more violent film than horror. However, I watched it a few times before it became a favorite. Every time I watched it, I liked it more and more. I liked the way he used classic songs in the film. Actually, after the watching the film, I think I might like the songs better than I used to. I would suggest watching Devil's Rejects a couple/few times. You never know, you might have the same experience of growing to like it more and more each time you watch it.

thm

I liked the sheriff character in Devils Rejects, and I also liked the film more after a second viewing, the same with House of 1000 Corpses. It's funny how some films are better after repeat viewings isn't it?

I used to listen to White Zombie (Rob Zombie's band) when I was younger, and I bought his solo album which had fantastic artwork in the sleeve by RZ himself. His illustrations are top notch.

[Chakor Channing]

See, here's the thing: you may not think Rob had respect for the film, but it doesn't mean you're right. You don't get to decide how he thinks or how he feels. I'd rather take HIM at HIS word.

Okay...  I said that his film didn't translate to having respect for the original to me.  TO ME.  That doesn't mean that I'm claiming myself to be correct nor am I saying that no one else's opinion has merit because of what I think.

There's an incredible irony in the fact that you think I'm attacking you for your opinion on the film when I've made myself perfectly clear that I'm criticizing your constant annoying attitude that you're better than everyone else. It's apparent in the way you started a thread on lost footage from the original Halloween only to insist that people beg you for the information, it's apparent in the way you continue to be passive-aggressive about the opinions of others, it's apparent in the way you started a thread about this Halloween film and demanded that I explain myself before you bother to read my rather lengthy and thoughtful opinion of it, and it's apparent in the fact that you just now made a hypothetical threat of physical violence against Rob because of the possibility that he might make a movie you don't like, and did so without a care in the world about who might find that disgusting and stupid, and before you pretend that you do care about such things, I'll remind you that this threat was preceded by "I know this will bother you, but what I'm about to write is strictly my honest opinion." That you would even make such a threat although you "currently have nothing against Rob Zombie as a person" only makes it that much worse, because you've even admitted that your motivation for such violence is a matter entirely trivial and without any logical justification.

First an foremost, that thread about the lost footage from Halloween where I "insisted that people beg me for the information" was a joke to make sure that everyone knew what an a**hole the guy who used to own/still owns the footage is.  If you actually looked at the threads that I linked where said jerk treats others like trash and insulted me simply because he didn't have the common sense to ignore a post that he didn't like, I would think that you'd be inclined to agree that he's a git.

Second, I wasn't demanding you to give me an explanation for your opinion, even though it obviously came across as such.  I was bothered by the fact that only my opinion on Rob's films bothered you, while others' didn't, and figured that you giving me an explanation for why you were calling me out would be a fair trade.

Third, it was a physical threat against Rob for the possibility of him making a remake of a film that's become part of my life.  If Rob were to remake you-know-what, he wouldn't just be remaking any movie.  He'd be remaking one of the greatest monster films of all time and insulting it by making all of the characters unlikable white trash and "dumbing-down" the story, and the worst part is that he'd be making money for ruining a film...  Oh wait, he's already done that in my opinion.  Obviously you and many others will disagree with my statement about it "not just being a movie", but remember: that's all just my two cents.  I don't like TCM, Child's Play, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, etc., but love films like Pumpkinhead (I mentioned the title, arrest me), Halloween III, Gremlins, etc., so my two cents automatically doesn't have any merit, although everyone pretends otherwise.

Speaking of irony, I also find it quite ironic that you claiming that a physical threat against Rob is "disgusting and stupid" when I consider the plots of all of his films, based on what I've read on Wikipedia and various websites with reviews, disgusting and stupid as well.

I find it rather sad that, despite the fact that my attitude may need a little work, I can't write a thread stating my opinion about a Rob Zombie film without the discussion being derailed.  Remember, if my opinion isn't fact, then neither is yours or anyone else's.

Good day sir!

[the_horror_man]

I liked the sheriff character in Devils Rejects, and I also liked the film more after a second viewing, the same with House of 1000 Corpses. It's funny how some films are better after repeat viewings isn't it?

I used to listen to White Zombie (Rob Zombie's band) when I was younger, and I bought his solo album which had fantastic artwork in the sleeve by RZ himself. His illustrations are top notch.

This brings up a great point about Rob Zombie. You have to admire what Rob Zombie has accomplished. Now, I do not mean liking his specific films or music, but the accomplishments themselves. He creates the music he wants and it sells. He creates the films he wants and they sell. He does his own artwork on his albums and makes his own props for concerts. From an artist's point of view, this is the dream. To do all the forms of art you love to do and make good money at it is what I think every artist strives for. Also, he has a very hot wife.

thm

[AlwaysWitty]

First an foremost, that thread about the lost footage from Halloween where I "insisted that people beg me for the information" was a joke to make sure that everyone knew what an a**hole the guy who used to own/still owns the footage is.  If you actually looked at the threads that I linked where said jerk treats others like trash and insulted me simply because he didn't have the common sense to ignore a post that he didn't like, I would think that you'd be inclined to agree that he's a git.

The guy is clearly not in the right by just sitting on it like that. All the same, if you were trying to joke about that, you did so rather clumsily. You even admitted you tried to get us to beg for it when you apologized for exactly that.

Second, I wasn't demanding you to give me an explanation for your opinion, even though it obviously came across as such.  I was bothered by the fact that only my opinion on Rob's films bothered you, while others' didn't, and figured that you giving me an explanation for why you were calling me out would be a fair trade.

Still you don't understand why I've called you out. It's less and less shocking every time.

Third, it was a physical threat against Rob for

I don't care what it was for. It's morally reprehensible and you should be ashamed of yourself.

the worst part is that he'd be making money for ruining a film...  Oh wait, he's already done that in my opinion.  Obviously you and many others will disagree with my statement about it "not just being a movie", but remember: that's all just my two cents.

No, it's you threatening to "hunt him down and beat him with a baseball bat" if he makes a movie you don't like.

I don't like TCM, Child's Play, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, etc., but love films like Pumpkinhead (I mentioned the title, arrest me), Halloween III, Gremlins, etc., so my two cents automatically doesn't have any merit, although everyone pretends otherwise.

Your opinions have more merit when you've actually bothered to watch these films in their entirety. I must admit though, I flinched a little at your admission that you don't like The Exorcist. Care to mention why? I only ask out of curiosity as it's not often I encounter someone who doesn't care for it.

Speaking of irony, I also find it quite ironic that you claiming that a physical threat against Rob is "disgusting and stupid" when I consider the plots of all of his films, based on what I've read on Wikipedia and various websites with reviews, disgusting and stupid as well.

There's a world of difference between you threatening a man in real life and fictional depictions of violence in works of artistic expression. As the saying goes, "no person or animal was harmed in the making of this movie."

I find it rather sad that, despite the fact that my attitude may need a little work, I can't write a thread stating my opinion about a Rob Zombie film without the discussion being derailed.  Remember, if my opinion isn't fact, then neither is yours or anyone else's.

Never claimed my opinion was fact. Never criticized you for having an opinion different from mine either. I'll gladly tell you why I disagree with your opinion, but there's nothing wrong with that either. That's called a discussion. If you can't figure out what I'm criticizing you for, despite laying it out very clearly multiple times, that's your problem, not mine.

[Anton Phibes]

I am going to go out on a limb here and say hat if it were announced Rob Zombie were going to re-make Halloween 3, Pumpkinhead, Twilight Zone the Movie and/or Gremlins that Chakkor would have the same reaction I did to Gus Van Sant's Psycho re-make,lol.

[AlwaysWitty]

I am going to go out on a limb here and say hat if it were announced Rob Zombie were going to re-make Halloween 3, Pumpkinhead, Twilight Zone the Movie and/or Gremlins that Chakkor would have the same reaction I did to Gus Van Sant's Psycho re-make,lol.

You didn't attempt to kill Gus Van Sant did you?

What a misguided remake that was.

[Chakor Channing]

I don't care what it was for. It's morally reprehensible and you should be ashamed of yourself.

I regret to inform everyone that...  I'm not ashamed of myself for this.  I'm only ashamed of myself for trying to watch the film in question, and I'm not cracking up AT ALL whilst writing this.  It was bad enough for me that I'm going to have a hard time getting over the fact that I actually tried to watch the film.  It's like when a guy shows up to school only wearing his underwear.

No, it's you threatening to "hunt him down and beat him with a baseball bat" if he makes a movie you don't like.

I disagree with this, and nothing will change my mind.

Your opinions have more merit when you've actually bothered to watch these films in their entirety. I must admit though, I flinched a little at your admission that you don't like The Exorcist. Care to mention why? I only ask out of curiosity as it's not often I encounter someone who doesn't care for it.

It's been about seven years since I first watched The Exorcist and I haven't watched it again since.  On my first viewing, I didn't think it was as good as everyone was saying, but it's on my list of things to watch to "broaden my horizons", so who knows?  Maybe I'll like it more on my second viewing.

There's a world of difference between you threatening a man in real life and fictional depictions of violence in works of artistic expression. As the saying goes, "no person or animal was harmed in the making of this movie."

I agree with this, but I'm still not ashamed of myself for the statement.

Never claimed my opinion was fact. Never criticized you for having an opinion different from mine either. I'll gladly tell you why I disagree with your opinion, but there's nothing wrong with that either. That's called a discussion. If you can't figure out what I'm criticizing you for, despite laying it out very clearly multiple times, that's your problem, not mine.

I think I understand what you're criticizing me for...  It's the "attitude", right?  If not, I give up.

[AlwaysWitty]

I disagree with this, and nothing will change my mind.

I used your exact words, man.

I'm still not ashamed of myself for the statement.

If that's true, that you're not ashamed for stating a desire to respond with violence against a man for making a film you don't like, it speaks volumes about your character, and whether or not you are ashamed, it is utterly despicable, and even more so that you would even try to defend it.

[Chakor Channing]

If that's true, that you're not ashamed for stating a desire to respond with violence against a man for making a film you don't like, it speaks volumes about your character, and whether or not you are ashamed, it is utterly despicable, and even more so that you would even try to defend it.

First and foremost, as you could probably guess already, what Rob Zombie did with Halloween was despicable IMO.  Second, I would only make an effort to harm the guy if A: He actually announced that he was going to remake the best monster film of all time and B: If I was sure that I could get away with it.  I may be crazy, but I'm definitely not stupid.  JK.

[AlwaysWitty]

First and foremost, as you could probably guess already, what Rob Zombie did with Halloween was despicable IMO.  Second, I would only make an effort to harm the guy if A: He actually announced that he was going to remake the best monster film of all time and B: If I was sure that I could get away with it.  I may be crazy, but I'm definitely not stupid.  JK.

How can you even compare a movie with an actual crime? How can you possibly find "remaking Pumpkinhead" to be a perfectly legitimate justification for an act of violence? Crazy is an understatement, fella. Seek help.

[the_horror_man]

Can we all at least agree on the comment I made a few posts up about Rob Zombie living the dream and his wife?

thm

[zombiehorror]

As a fan of House of 1000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects I was openly optimistic on yet another unneeded remake; but hey sometimes those become equal to...dare I say better...than the original.  This unfortunately was not the case.  Turning Michale Myers into a Firefly was the wrong direction in my opinion.  Turning him into a typical-paint by numbers serial killer was the wrong direction in my opinion.  There was such opportunity to explore the mysterious boogeyman concept which was barely touched upon in the original.  The first half or so of RZ's Halloween is completely unwatchable dreck as a Halloween film; the second half is done rather well from what I recall and RZ's Michale is the most formidable the character has been portrayed.  Part 2?  I don't recall liking this one either.  I've given the first one several attempts and every time it is the whole young Michael stuff that just makes me lose interest; for me Michael should have been portrayed as a good-loving kid, with loving-attentive parents, an older sister that he had a great relationship with and a younger one that he adored deeply....and then one Halloween night madness sets in.

Rob proved he is capable of much more than the white trash aesthetics of House and Devil's with The Lords of Salem but he doesn't seem to want to explore much more than that lowest common denominator.

[Chakor Channing]

How can you even compare a movie with an actual crime? How can you possibly find "remaking Pumpkinhead" to be a perfectly legitimate justification for an act of violence? Crazy is an understatement, fella. Seek help.

I'm not seeking help for anything until Rob seeks help.  In my opinion, that guy is mentally disturbed.  In addition, if RZ were to remake you-know-what, it wouldn't just be a remake, for multiple reasons.  1: The film is unfortunately so niche that hundreds of people would see the remake without knowing that there's something way superior to it in existence.  2: After trying to watch RZ's remake of Halloween, I have a pretty good idea as to how a remake of you-know-what would turn out.  It would be an atrocity beyond belief.  Besides, I think Rob has learned his lesson about remakes anyway.