Trick R Treat Review
Written by: Tim Hannigan
On October 6th the long-awaited and much delayed “Trick ‘r Treat” finally arrives on DVD just in time for every horror fiend’s favourite holiday. Given the extremely limited theatrical release I’m sure many fright fans have not yet had a chance to see the film. Which begs the question – do you rent or do you buy? Take my advice – don’t waste money renting – buy this film – I guarantee it will become part of your Halloween tradition for years to come.
Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, who co-scripted “X2” and “Superman Returns”, and produced by Bryan Singer the film features a number of stories all revolving around Halloween night. Unlike more traditional horror anthologies such as “Creepshow” or “Tales From The Darkside: The Movie”, the stories in this film intersect and cross paths with each other rather than having each story unfold one after the other. The structure works really well creating an over-all narrative rather than just a bunch of short films strung together. What is particularly effective is seeing a small part of one of the stories from the perspective of characters in another story, and then seeing the same moment play out later from the other character’s point of view.
There is absolutely something for every horror fan in this film. From cold blooded murderers to supernatural spirits, you’ll find everything you ever loved about Halloween unfold before your eyes with exceptional filmmaking. The movie really captures the spirit of the holiest of horror holiday. I was lucky enough to catch the film back in August thanks to Rue Morgue and the Toronto After Dark Film Festival and I felt instantly transported to a cool autumn night with pumpkins aglow and the rest of the world celebrating the things horror fans love. I can’t wait to watch it again – this is definitely a movie I will be showing to my friends at my annual Halloween horror night.
The big question with this film is why is it not getting a wide release? I have to say I was a little worried that it would not deliver the scares given how long it has been sitting on the shelf. It had a huge push when Superman Returns was released on DVD, with a lengthy trailer (then again – I’m not sure how many people bothered to buy Superman Returns on DVD). It seemed to have momentum and then it disappeared off the radar. I had been expecting a Halloween release each year over the past two years but nothing. And now we get it on DVD. The upside is at least we can finally see the film, and I’m certain it will be a cult classic. But I really believe the studio dropped the ball – I think this movie would have raked in piles of cash at the box office. Unfortunately it is the same old story – studios dismiss horror as a genre, and only want to release re-makes or sequels to guarantee the maximum return on their money.
No worries – some of the best horror films of all time get discovered on DVD (and good old VHS). So go buy some candy corn, those inedible chewy kisses in the orange wrapper, carve a pumpkin and forget the tricks – this movie is an absolute treat for any fan that enjoys things that go bump in the night!!!!