Originally set to be released theatrically in 2007, Trick 'r Treat was promised again in 2008 before finally dumped to DVD this year. Why, with the Cineplexes being crammed full of listless horror remakes and torture flicks, this film was given such treatment is a bit of a mystery. Then there's Rob Zombie's Halloween II which flopped at the box office while assaulting and insulting audiences and Saw VII awaits Saw VI's opening weekend receipts before being green lit. It just seems to get worse every year for horror. But the much maligned Trick 'r Treat proves to live up to its internet-based hype and be the horror film of 2009.

The 5 interlacing stories that happen on Halloween night in Warren Valley, Ohio are what most horror enthusiast hope would happen in their town. There are murderous principals, crotchety old men who hate kids who dress up, trollops popping out of their tops, drunken dudes, spooky legends, werewolves, vamps and tramps partying, colorful parades, smashed pumpkins, grinning jack o‘lanterns and a little creepy creature that ties it all together nicely into one impressive yarn. Not quite a true anthology, but a feat of impressive screenwriting and direction, each story within Trick 'r Treat features its own little gooey surprise.

The tale of the principal (Dylan Baker, Spider-Man 3) is rather predictable while Anna Paquin's virgin-looking-for-a-party quest has a nice twist, it is both the legend of The Halloween School Bus Massacre and Brian Cox (as the marvelously ornery Mr. Kreeg) versus the little pumpkin headed demon that steals this show. Cox has always been a chameleon and his performance is flawless. The pint-sized demon is both cute and disturbing at the same time. The segment’s action and tension is perfect and perhaps the high point of the film.  But the Halloween School Bus Massacre also has to have the ultimate prank-gone-wrong ending ever. The brats are great and Rhonda the Retard (Samm Todd, in her screen debut) nails the sinister innocence of the character.

Instead of rambling on how great the film is, Trick 'r Treat needs to be seen. Is it the best horror film ever? No. But when compared to its peers, it easily is one of the best horror films to be released by Hollywood in the last few years (maybe even a decade). Not because it is quite original in spots (and sort of unoriginal in others), but because it's good acting, good direction, and good storytelling that doesn't pander to or insult the audience. Instead it takes them on a great and gory ride through a spectacularly spooky atmosphere. The town of Warren Valley just may give Haddonfield a run for its October title.

Trick 'r Treat takes a chance by not cashing in on trends, instead it cashes in on the creepiest time of year and delivers all kinds of goodies. Producer Bryan Singer (Superman Returns, X-Men) knows what he's doing and first-time director Michael Dougherty (writer of X2, Superman Returns, Urban Legends: Bloody Mary) is one to watch for in the future. The refreshing Trick 'r Treat is all treat and neat tricks that will appeal to even the most jaded horrorphile. Highly recommended and mandatory viewing this and every Halloween.

Dylan Baker:  Principle Wilkins
Rochelle Aytes:  Maria
Leslie Bibb:   Emma
Anna Paquin:  Laurie
Brian Cox:  Mr. Kreeg

Release Date: October 4th, 2009
Studio: Legendary Pictures /
Bad Hat Harry Productions /
Warner Premier
Genre: Suspense /  Horror
Rated: R      1 hr 22 mins

CAST:

Trick 'r Treat

December 15, 2009

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

DIRECTOR:

Michael Dougherty

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