Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uninspired, violent slasher sequel features child in peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Where to Watch
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Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS, a year after his last killing spree, masked murderer Michael Myers (Donald L. Shanks) once again returns to Haddonfield in search of his niece. Meanwhile traumatized Jamie (Danielle Harris) is confined to the Haddonfield Children's Clinic, where she's plagued by visions and unable to speak. But are her visions a psychic link to her uncle, and can psychiatrist Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance) get her to communicate what she knows before he strikes again?
Is It Any Good?
This fifth film feels like a faded copy of the previous one, going through the motions with little impact, despite some strong performances. In Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, the kills are less memorable, the story nothing new, and there's some misguided attempts at comedy via a couple of bumbling policemen that don't fit at all with the tone of the rest of the film or the wider franchise. What saves it is Harris' continually impressive acting as the nine-year-old at the center, her likable teenage foster sister, Rachel (Ellie Cornell), and friend Tina (Wendy Kaplan), and, of course, Pleasance's iconic Dr. Loomis. Between them they manage to keep things moving, even as the plot seems to stall. That said, the film is watchable enough for those without too high expectations, and Myers as a concept will likely always have some draw, but this is a disappointing entry into a franchise screaming out for surer hands.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. Have you seen any other movies from the franchise? How did the violence compare? Was it scary? Exciting? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Courage and perseverance proved central in helping characters to survive in the movie. Which characters displayed these traits? Why are they important character strengths generally?
Michael Myers is an iconic horror character. How does he compare to other horror villains? What do they have in common and what is unique about Myers? What do you think has made him so enduring?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 13, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2017
- Cast : Donald Pleasence , Danielle Harris , Ellie Cornell
- Director : Dominique Othenin-Girard
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Galaxy International Releasing
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Family Stories ( Adoptees and Foster Kids ) , Fantasy ( Monsters ) , Holidays ( Halloween )
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 28, 2025
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