Yeah, the film isn't going to be the same night like the previous H2. It starts there, but jumps to the next year. I think that Michael was in a coma for that time or something to that effect. The story focuses on Laurie trying to get over it and not completely lose her mind.
I'm still hopeful a little bit, the shots I have seen of the actual film have been pretty good...mood wise. And the stuff I have heard, about Michael seeing visions of his mother and himself as a kid, used as a way to show his madness... I like that.
The only thing that gives me pause is the mask, will there be a mask? Will he just have his face painted white? I just hope to God he doesn't just do away with the mask halfway through the movie.