Trick 'r Treat

Trick 'r Treat

Starring Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Jean-Luc Bilodeau

Directed by Michael Dougherty

The Story:
"Trick 'r Treat" is a horror anthology film that tells four interconnecting stories about Halloween night in a small Ohio town, with its main protagonist the silent Sam (Quinn Lord), a child-like being wearing a burlap sack for a mask who makes sure people are following the rules of Halloween - and severely punishing those who don't.

We meet Principal Steven Wilkins (Dylan Baker), who doesn't really care for Halloween, and ensues to teach children the importance of checking their candy before they eat it.  Then there's a group of girls, including shy, virginal Laurie (Anna Paquin), who attend a Halloween party where things get a little crazy.  We hear about the curse of the school bus massacre that occurred thirty years earlier, and how their spirits still linger.  Then there's the crotchety old man Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox), who receives a personal visit from Sam and is taught the importance of appreciating Halloween.

The Synopsis:
"Trick 'r Treat" was a film that was highly anticipated for many years, but somehow never found the light of day in the theaters.  From worries it could go against other Halloween-themed films to production issues, "Trick 'r Treat" was never given a full theatrical release, but sent straight to DVD.  It's unfortunate, because the film turned out to not be just one of the best horror anthologies out there, but one of the best Halloween-centric films as well.

Director and writer Michael Dougherty wrote the film as a continuous narrative, as opposed to having several non-connected stories, and that adds to the excitement of the film.  You see characters from other stories in the sections they're not the stars in, and shows that everything is connected.  Plus it pays homage to the original theme of Halloween - Samhain, which is the Gaelic festival marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter, where the veil between the living and the dead is most thin.  This is represented in literal form by Sam, the creepy sackcloth-wearing demon child who is seen throughout the town, rewarding those who follow the rules of Halloween (giving candy, not extinguishing Jack-O-Lanterns, etc.) and punishing those who don't.

What makes the film very exceptional is that it doesn't take itself too seriously.  It's a light-hearted romp, even as people are being brutally killed, but it's still rather funny.  It's got a playful sense to it that keeps the heart of the holiday at its center, making it a great film to watch with friends on Halloween.

The film is riddled with fantastic actors, and each one has their own story to tell.  Dylan Baker ("The Good Wife," "Damages") plays Principal Wilkins, who hates Halloween and goes to great lengths to make it miserable for children.  Anna Paquin ("X-Men," "True Blood") plays Laurie, a shy, virginal girl who is brought to a party by her sister and other friends in hopes of losing her virginity.  Jean-Luc Bilodeau ("Baby Daddy," "Kyle XY") stars as Schrader (in his first film role), a young man who gets caught up in the school bus massacre decades earlier, and Brian Cox ("X2," "Red") plays Mr. Kreeg, an old recluse who is the Halloween equivalent of Ebeneezer Scrooge, but changes his tune when Sam makes a personal visit.  All the actors perform terrifically, and makes the film all the more enjoyable.

Much more can be said about the movie, but it'd be giving away plot points and scares, so I won't mention them here.  All I'll say is that this must became a mainstay for any true horror fan on Halloween, and should be celebrated as such.

The Summary:
Mixing dark humor, a twisted character and great actors, "Trick 'r Treat" is the epitome of  a true Halloween film, and accentuates the childlike feel of the holiday while also honoring its oldest traditions and still being rather frightening as well.

The Score: A+