Review: Trick 'r Treat (2008)

Trick ‘R Treat: A Film Full Of Both
4 ½ (out of 5) stars
By: Jamie Zaccaria

Trick ‘r Treat, released on DVD October 2009, is full of both the ingredients of its title. A witty, smart, and enjoyable film, it has instantly become a Halloween classic. Trick ‘r Treat is a movie made up of five different stories, all taking place on Halloween night. A man spends the night with his son in some rather unusual ways, five children explore a local urban legend, a young woman searches for the perfect guy for her first time, a couple disagrees over the spirit of Halloween, and a cranky old man gets visited by some very special guests.

The movie starts off with a not so typical signature kill and continues to explore the less than conventional Halloween nights spent by the colorful cast of characters, including the recently popular Anna Paquin of True Blood. Each story is connected by the presence of a child-like figure, dressed in orange with a bag on their head, whose identity remains largely unknown. Flashes of character interactions provide a timeline of the events that help to keep the film in perspective.

One story features a group of college-aged girls dressed as classic fairy-tale characters, giving the viewers a familiar feel of their own Halloween experiences. But a man in black who stalks women through a street parade makes us realize that perhaps this town isn’t quite so normal. Traditional Halloween themes of candy, jack-o-lanterns, and costumes make this a movie that is relatable to audiences, instilling a feeling of comfort that clashes with the sense of danger in each situation. The combination is truly spine-tingling.

For fans of screaming, jump-out-of-your-seat horror films, this may not be exactly what you’re looking for. You won’t be haunted by faces in the dark or be startled with every scene, but trust me when I say that it is worth a watch. In each segment, we are taught to love Halloween for what it is; a time for jack-o-lanterns, secret identities, scary pranks, and most of all, a respect for the holiday spirit. Those who don’t possess a reverence for Halloween will undoubtedly suffer the consequences.

The intertwining stories create suspense and relieve boredom; it makes you think, but not too much. Trick ‘r Treat tests our perception of innocence and tricks us into feeling safe and predictable before throwing us around a bend of shocking twists and turns. Although not completely terrifying, this movie will still make you look over your shoulder as you walk to your car at night, and think twice about blowing out your jack-o-lantern before midnight. There are many lessons to be learned from this movie, including the classic “do unto others”, appearances can be deceiving, and to have respect for certain traditions. Refreshingly without the typical buckets of bloody gore, a masked killer taking out co-eds, or a haunted residence in New England; Trick ‘r Trick is a breath of fresh air for the horror genre.

By: Jamie Z.

All images from IMDB.com