Man, this movie gets so much hate all because there is no Michael Myers and they do not give this movie a chance at all. There is a reason for why he is not in this movie. John Carpenter wanted the Halloween Franchise to be an anthology; where every movie is a different setting with different characters and supernatural, evil antagonists. The only similarities between the films were that they took place on Halloween. Hence the creation of Halloween III.
I wont spoil the plot of the movie. I will say it is very strange, unsettling, surreal, eccentric, and dreamlike. When i first watched this movie, and realized there was no Micheal Myers, I was skeptical. I didnt know what to expect. But, I gave it a shot and i was happily entertained by the plot. The acting is great. And the special effects arent that bad. The part where the kid has one of the masks on, and it starts to decompose him with all the snakes and bugs coming out is an example. One of the best scenes.
Thats not to say this movie doesnt have flaws (as stated before, the special effects are hit or miss. But they could be a lot worse). There are some plot holes.
But, Overall, it is an underrated horror film and it deserves to get more recognition. If you get past the fact that there is no Michael Myers, and realize the history behind this movie, you will be entertained.