John Carpenter’s Halloween and James Whale’s The Bride of Frankenstein are two of the first films that genre fans think of when they hear the term “classic horror film.” Many works of modern classic status are, however, rarely given their due recognition. The 2007 anthology Trick ‘r Treat, directed by Michael Dougherty, is one example. Though it never saw wide release in theatres, the picture has now become a cult classic. Thankfully, Regal Cinemas is finally bringing Trick ‘r Treat to the big screen after years of trying. When it hits cinemas, Trick ‘r Treat will join other iconic horror flicks like Scream 2, The Lost Boys, and Halloween. Warner Bros. also tweeted, “The cat’s out of the bag! This Halloween, for the first first time ever, cinemas will show the film Trick ‘r Treat.
Anyone who enjoyed this now-iconic anthology film will be thrilled to hear this. Sam, a demonic enforcer of Halloween customs, became an instant legend thanks to this film. His pumpkin head and orange pyjamas are as much a part of Halloween as those of Michael Myers or Freddy Kruger. Sam may be the first step in what makes this anthology picture stand out from others in its subgenre, despite the film’s age of 15 years. The film Trick ‘r Treat, like others in the horror genre, features a number of interconnected plots. But unlike other movies, all of these stories revolve around the same hamlet of Warren Valley and Sam’s quest.
Because of this, the film has a naturalistic feel, each narrative is given adequate screen time, and the resolution to the central mystery is satisfying. Ghosts, serial murderers, and werewolves, among other hallmarks of the horror genre, make up the bulk of the tales in this entertaining collection. In case it wasn’t already obvious, Trick ‘r Treat is an outstanding example of the horror genre. It has a great Halloween vibe, and its comic book style complements the gloomy darkness that lurks within everyone. That’s why it was so peculiar that the movie was never shown in theatres.
The film was featured at San Diego Comic-Con and other festivals including Fantasia and Screamfest before being released directly to home video. The picture boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including X-Anna Men’s Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, and Leslie Bibb, so the decision was puzzling at best and downright strange at worst (The Babysitter). Warner Bros. probably has some misgivings about their decision to go with a direct-to-video release for what could have been their major horror franchise. Since Sam, there have been horror successes like It, but nothing that could have been developed into a long-running series.
This iconic genre character, sporting a half-eaten pumpkin Lollipop, may be seen at every turn in Spirit Halloween. Sam and Trick ‘r Treat has endured a lot, but those days are over since they are now being recognised for their achievements. Supporters have long hoped for a follow-up. If this film’s debut in theatres is any indication, the franchise has potential.
On October 6, just in time for Halloween, Trick ‘R Treat will begin showing at Regal Cinemas.