Evil never dies: deep dive into Halloween’s legacy and lore!
In this electrifying episode of Review It Yourself, we explore the terrifying brilliance and enduring cultural impact of the Halloween franchise — from Halloween (1978) to Halloween Ends (2022), and every film in-between!— with journalist and author Andrew Graves, author of 'Horror in Haddonfield: The Untold Stories of Halloween'.
If you’re a horror fan, a lover of film history, or fascinated by long-running movie franchises, this episode is essential listening.
A passionate deep dive into the Halloween franchise
Andrew Graves, author of Horror in Haddonfield, joins Sean for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation about one of the most iconic horror series, Halloween.
We explore:
The psychology and legacy of Michael Myers
Why Dr. Loomis (played by Donald Pleasence) is just as essential as The Shape himself
The evolution of Laurie Strode, immortalised by Jamie Lee Curtis
The highs, the controversies, and the reinventions across the entire Halloween timeline
Honest thoughts on Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022).
The Nights He Never Came Home: Unrealised Halloween films
This isn’t just a review — it’s a celebration and critical examination of horror cinema, franchise storytelling, and what keeps audiences returning to Haddonfield decade after decade.
About the Guest: Andrew Graves
Andrew Graves is a journalist and horror author whose book Horror in Haddonfield serves as a comprehensive love letter to the Halloween series. The book dives into untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and deep franchise analysis — essential reading for fans of slasher cinema and horror history.
📖 Get the Book
Search Horror in Haddonfield by Andrew Graves on major book retailers including Amazon and independent bookstores.
🎙 Follow Andrew Graves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.grevas/
Twitter/X: @AndrewGrevas
Contact:
[email protected]Why This Episode Matters
The Halloween franchise isn’t just a horror series — it’s a blueprint for modern slasher films. From its minimalist score to its atmospheric tension, its influence can still be felt across contemporary horror.
In this episode we explore:
The importance of Dr. Loomis as the moral and psychological anchor of the franchise
How franchise storytelling survives actor changes and timeline resets
What makes Michael Myers such an enduring symbol of evil
Whether later sequels honour or undermine the original vision
Whether you agree, disagree, or just love hearing horror fans passionately debate — this is the kind of conversation you’d have if you ran into your mates at the pub after a Halloween marathon.
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Your support keeps Review It Yourself independent, growing, and proudly faff-free.
If you’re searching for:
Halloween franchise analysis
Horror film deep dives
Michael Myers character breakdown
Dr. Loomis appreciation
Halloween book recommendations
Horror podcast discussions
— this episode delivers all that and more.
Press play… because evil doesn’t die tonight — or any night.
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