Trick 'r Treat (2008)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Michael Dougherty

Writer (WGA):

Michael Dougherty (written by)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

Poison, Drowning, Claw, Or Knife. So Many Ways To Take A Life.

Plot:

Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband.

Plot Keywords:

Jack O Lantern | Halloween | Virgin | Principal | Trick

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Dylan Baker	...	Steven
Rochelle Aytes	...	Maria
Quinn Lord	...	Sam / Peeping Tommy
Lauren Lee Smith	...	Danielle
Moneca Delain	...	Janet
Tahmoh Penikett	...	Henry
Brett Kelly	...	Charlie
Britt McKillip	...	Macy
Isabelle Deluce	...	Sara
Jean-Luc Bilodeau	...	Schrader
Alberto Ghisi	...	Chip
Samm Todd	...	Rhonda
Anna Paquin	...	Laurie
Brian Cox	...	Mr. Kreeg
Leslie Bibb	...	Emma

Also Known As:

Terreur à l'Halloween (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated R for horror violence, some sexuality/nudity and language.

Runtime:

USA:82 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:R (No. 43759) | South Korea:18 | Australia:MA | Argentina:16 | Canada:14A (Canadian Home Video rating) | Singapore:M18 | Netherlands:16 | Germany:18 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Ladner, Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Bad Hat Harry Productions

Trivia:

The film was originally slated to be released in October 2007 for a Halloween release. Warner Bros., without explanation or reason, pulled the film from the schedule and no reschedule date was announced. One reason might have been that Saw IV (2007) was slated for release around the same time and Warner Bros. did not want to compete against it in fears of a big opening against them. Another possible reason the film was buried by the studio was that it was possible fallout from the box office disappointment of Superman Returns (2006), which was co-written by Trick 'r Treat writer/director Michael Dougherty and both produced and directed by Bryan Singer, whose production company produced this film. There was brief talk that the film would finally be released around Halloween 2008 and possibly early 2009 but neither release ever materialized. The film was finally released straight to DVD in October 2009.

Quotes:

[from trailer]
Steven: Wait. There's another tradition.
[looks at Charlie]
Steven: Always check your candy.

Movie Connections:

Spin off from Season's Greetings (1996)

Soundtrack:

Cry Little Sister (I Need You Now)

One of the best horror films to grace the screen in years!

I went to this movie Friday, October 2nd, at a showing in LA where director Michael Dougherty was also present. I was simply blown away by this film. It has been well over a decade since the last notable horror anthology graced the screens. Let me note that this is also not your typical horror movie; it has more twists and turns than meets the eye initially. While some may question the gore, I feel its the right amount without taking away from the rest of the plot. The characters, plot, and setting (midwest) make this movie one of the must-see horror films of the year, if not the decade. If you get a chance to buy it, do so. Rent it, do so. You will not be disappointed.