Trick 'R Treat': A Must-See Horror Film

[scallenger 374]

(view trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDNhd5FC2U)

The following is from my Myspace blog, but since it is private, I have pasted it here for you all to see. If you want to add me on myspace anyway, you can do so by friend requesting me here: http://www.myspace.com/getawayadventure )

I can't believe this wasn't part of my 9 Movies of 2009 list. Then again, it could have been on a non-existent 7 movies of 2007 list. That's because it was Halloween of that year this film was originally set to come out. Now I don't remember the exact reasons of why it didn't, except something about the studio being off-put my the grisly and sinister nature the film had toward kids. But if that is the case, I don't know if they had such cold feet that they didn't want to release the film at all, or if they were trying to re-edit it... but it took them 2 years to get it out. And when they finally did, they made it go straight to DVD. While this is a great shame, it is at least good that the wait is finally over and horror fans can finally sink their teeth into this film.

And boy, was the wait worth it.

While the DVD doesn't come out til Oct. 6th, I have actually seen it now as of last night. The short review: run, don't walk, to your nearest video store to rent or buy this film.

But you all want the longer review, I know. But I refuse to give away much. Some of you have been waiting for this movie for even longer than 2 years, and it would be a shame to give away everything that makes it so great. So I'll break it down to the essentials.

The story is structured very much in the anthology format (ex: Creepshow, Twilight Zone: The Movie). There are different stories going on, and a lot of them mix in with one another at different points. While this makes the story a bit messy, it works well, and everything is set up terrifically, with just the right payoffs. There are some great characters in this movie (my favorites being a nerdy girl dressed as a witch, a certain teacher with a sinister mind, and an unmentionable goblin creature). This is clearly a big-budget film for it's kind. A lot of work went into the special effects (animatronics, makeup) without relying on CGI very much at all (from what I could tell).

As for the supposed concern on kids being killed in sinister ways: I can kind of see why it was there. It DOES happen. And more than once, and in different ways. I can see why some people would say "but these are kids... isn't this going too far"? But, remember: this is a horror movie. Horrible things are supposed to happen! And as long as the kids aren't REALLY dieing, then who cares?! It's rated R for a reason: so kids CAN'T see it! But in that case, maybe they weren't sure who the film was for. A lot of the cast in the movie are kids. But this is definitely not a movie for kids. Maybe that's what the trouble was.

Anyway, this movie also features a pretty decent soundtrack. The composer is a relative unknown (his only other credit was for Monster House, the CGI animated film). For those into film music, the soundtrack is already available to buy online, and I will make it a point to buy it soon. It's a fun horror score, with some real creepy moments from what I could hear in the film.

Speaking of creepy, the atmosphere in this film is wonderful! This is one of those rare films that actually FEELS like Halloween (unlike the so-so Rob Zombie remake of "Halloween"). Remember how you felt watching "Hocus Pocus", the way you were instantly transported into Halloween-mode? Well this film has the same effect, only it touches more on what really should be scary about the holiday. This isn't really the kind of film that makes you jump from your seat every minute, but it is a film that crawls under your skin and scurries up to your heart and take hold of it. And when something actually DOES happen... your heart gets squeezed to a pulp.

However, there are also parts of this film full of camp, where you are either grinning or laughing out loud. It's all done in a very dark humor way, of course. Usually involving some blood being splattered.

Has this review been vague enough for you? Well good, I want to keep it that way. If you are intrigued by anything you have read above, or from what you have seen in the trailer, you have to see this film. As soon as it comes out (again, on the 6th of October). It is by far the best Halloween movie I have seen in years, and on-par with my other favorite horror movie of the year: "Drag Me To Hell". Which also comes out on DVD the 13th, by the way. In fact, "Drag Me To Hell" would make a great double feature with "Trick 'R Treat". They are very different films from each other, but both have a lot of fun with horror and pull it off successfully. Moreso than any other movies have in a long, long, time.

So was there anything wrong with this film? Honestly, my only major complaint was that it was too short! It's only like 88 minutes long (that includes end credits). Definitely wanted to see more of either the same stories, or different ones! If this movie had been actually released in theaters, I bet it would have been very popular and maybe even spawned a sequel, which could be done very easily the way this movie is created. But sadly, making it go straight to video sort of dulls that chance, unless it becomes a cult classic. And trust me guys: this one deserves it. Give it all the attention you can.

[Andy 1,492]

Can't wait to see this. I love anthology horror.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

it was a horrible movie, gosh its been 20 something years since I've seen it.

[scallenger 374]

Lol.

You must be thinking of "Trick OR Treat". But I'm talking about "Trick 'R Treat".

[Mooz0r 23]

Music by Douglas Pipes. Met him once and we had a chat about his score for Monster House. Really good music!

[JoeinAR 1,759]

Lol.

You must be thinking of "Trick OR Treat". But I'm talking about "Trick 'R Treat".

yeah I won free tickets to it off the radio

[AC1 3,565]

What Is The Last Film You Watched

Alex