“Halloween III: Season of the Witch” ditched Michael Myers and instead gave us something completely different. The “Halloween” franchise was supposed to have a different focus on something different in every instalment but audience confusion led to Michael Myers being brought back. While not awful, “Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers” certainly feels entirely needless.

A decade after his Halloween killing spree across Haddonfield, serial killer Michael Myers awakens from his coma (I could have sworn he burned to death but the writer’s pen is truly mightier) and goes in search of his niece (Danielle Harris “The Last Boy Scout”). However, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance “You Only Live Twice”) is on the case and he is determined to put an end to this nightmare.

Having seen Michael Myers survive gunshots and being burned alive, it’s hard to take him seriously. Also, the actor playing him in this one looks like an American football player. Donald Pleasance is good as Dr. Loomis but for a lot of the movie, he just seems tired. Danielle Harris is actually really good as Jamie Lloyd; she actually probably gives the best performance of the movie. The other characters are the stupid kind that always show up in horror films. It’s a shame because it means Michael Myers often only succeeds because the shortcomings of his victims rather than his own skill.

“Halloween 4” is definitely not the worst movie in the franchise but it still pales in comparison to the original. There are a few entertaining moments here and there but much of the movie is bland. If you like these films then you will not be disappointed. Like a particularly cheap fast food meal, all the pieces are there, just don’t expect anything especially tasty. I say stick to the original and ignore all the sequels.