We are on the final day of The 31 Days of Frights, and it has been such a fun month. It only makes sense that we end the month with a movie that truly embodies everything that is Halloween. Trick’r Treat is an anthology horror film from 2007. Interwoven stories demonstrate that some traditions are best not forgotten as the residents (Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker) of a small town face real ghosts and goblins on Halloween. Tales of terror reveal the consequences of extinguishing a Jack-o-Lantern before midnight and a grumpy hermit’s encounter with a sinister trick-or-treater.
This, in my opinion, is the best movie to watch during the Halloween season. All the different stories take place on one Halloween night, and they all eventually link together, and they all share a theme that whatever you do on Halloween, you must always respect the rules and traditions of the holiday.
There are five stories in Trick ‘r Treat. A woman who disrespects Halloween traditions and is punished, a high school principal who is secretly a serial killer, a group of teenagers who pull a prank that goes too far, a college virgin hoping to lose her virginity, and a mean old man who is visited by a supernatural trick-or-treater.
Each story is incredibly strong, filled with great acting, amazing special effects, and believable characters. What the movie does best, in my opinion, is give every story a chance to breathe. Sometimes in these anthropology films, there are a few stories that are weaker than others. This movie takes its time crafting each story, delivering plenty of fun dialogue, character development, and scares.
Sam
The main consistency in this movie is the character of Sam. Sam is the guide between all the stories. He appears as a little boy wearing a sack over his head. We later find out that he is literally a pumpkin child made out of pumpkin guts. He appears in every story, usually from afar. He is around to make sure all the rules of Halloween are being followed.
The rules of Halloween are to always wear a costume, always hand out candy, never blow out a jack-o’-lantern before midnight, and always respect the dead. Sam is a great character who has really become mainstream in recent years. He is on so much merchandise, and his costume can be seen worn by many every Halloween season.
Overall
Trick ‘r Treat is the perfect Halloween film because it captures the spirit perfectly. The anthology angle is fun, Sam is a great mascot, and the holiday traditions are respected. The movie is spooky and fun with some great gore and a good script. Give it a watch if you haven’t for sure.
Trick ‘r Treat is available to watch on HBO Max.
Thank you to everyone who went on this journey with me. 31 Days and 31 reviews. It has been amazing being able to talk about different kinds of horror. The horror genre and Halloween really Another great Halloween season has come and gone. I hope you got to see plenty of spooky films and eat as much Halloween candy as you can handle. Until next year, Happy Days of Frights.
