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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Halloween Kills (Theaters/Peacock)
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, and Anthony Michael Hall
Synopsis: This follow up to the 2018 film from David Gordon Green continues the story that started there, a sequel to the original film that took place 40 years prior. The film picks up in the immediate aftermath on Halloween night in 2018, with Laurie Strode (Lee Curtis) injured and headed to the hospital. In fact, much of the film sidelines Laurie and her family at the hospital, while a very much alive Michael is terrorizing Haddonfield, particularly those that survived his massacre in 1978. One of those is Tommy (Anthony Michael Hall), a survivor who continues to dwell on what happened that night and vows to change it. He starts a chant among the townsfolk, "Evil Dies Tonight," that galvanizes a mob with unintended consequences. I liked the 2018 film, which I thought introduced characters well and returned to the world well. This sequel, by comparison, is a giant leap backward. It replaces tension and character building with over-the-top violence and a ridiculous story that feels mostly like spinning its wheels before the planned third installment of Green's trilogy, Halloween Ends, which is due out next year. Perhaps this will be redeemed in that inevitable "final" faceoff between Laurie and Michael, but we'll have to wait to see it. For now, this film was nothing short of a major disappointment.
Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, grisly images, language and some drug use.
Verdict: One star out of four

The Last Duel (Theaters)
Starring: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck, and Jodie Comer
Synopsis: Based on a true story, this film from director Ridley Scott centers on a French knight, Jean de Carrouges (Damon), who has a dispute with his former friend and fellow soldier, Jacques Le Gris (Driver). While Le Gris gains favor with the local magistrate, Pierre d'Alençon (Affleck), Carrouges simply does his duty. He marries Marguerite (Comer) and tries to work his way up, continuously serving the crown in battle. When Le Gris assaults his wife, Carrouges presses the matter until the two are locked in a duel to the death to decide who is telling the truth. This film follows the events over a period of nearly 20 years, telling them from the perspective of the three people at the heart of this duel--Carrouges, Le Gris and Marguerite. We see some of the same scenes more than once, each time with a different spin as we get the perspective of these three. The final act brings the duel to a head, and the action is palpable. The performances here are solid, but it is Comer who shines the brightest. Her version of events is the final to go and is perhaps the most powerful. This is a difficult story to watch at times and somewhat dark, particularly as it regards Le Gris and Marguerite. Scott delivers the film well, with the battle sequences carrying quite a punch. This is a fascinating and well crafted film that features some strong performances from a talented cast.
Rating: Rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four