One of the better sequels despite what most say.
Despite all the issues this move has I still find it better than Part 4 and all the Halloweens that came after it. This film certainly has some annoying aspects. Tina is a pretty annoying character and so is the other blonde girl. The psychic connection between Myers and Jamie is also pretty dumb. I know the introduction of the thorn cult is also criticized but it really doesn't have much to do with this movie at all. It was only briefly hinted at throughout the film.
Despite those flaws this film has some big things going for it that make it a very effective horror film. The atmosphere is done very well. It has probably the best atmosphere with the exception of the original and Halloween 3. The music score is one of the best in the series which adds to the dark atmosphere. This film just has that certain feel. It's hard to describe. Such a gritty film.
I enjoy the darkness. They kill off the main character from the last film right away. Many see this as a big mistake, I find it extremely ballsy and worthy of praise. Myers is pretty scary in this one as well. Some pretty brutal death scenes and he just seems angrier and scarier overall. His mask also looks a lot better this time around in comparison to the 4th.
Donald Pleasence also delivers one of his best performances in this one. Besides the original I feel this was his shining moment.
This film has some very creepy scenes that are worthy of some praise. Rachel being stalked by Myers and eventually killed brutally is incredibly creepy, especially considering her large part in the last film and being the main protagonist. I also enjoyed the scenes with Michael in the car and the entire sequence at the Tower Farm party. I also found the barn sequence to be especially creepy. Last but not least, who couldn't love the laundry chute scene?
I can see why people criticize this film for certain aspects. Some pretty annoying plot aspects and pretty terrible characters. People just need to look past these things and see the film as the atmospheric creepfest that it is. I think the delivery of the film overcomes the plot/character issues.