Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Trick 'r Treat Poster

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, and a bitter old recluse receives an uninvited guest.

Intro to "Trick 'r Treat"
"Technique 'r Deal with" is a 2007 anthology scary film written and directed by Michael Dougherty. Combining a series of interconnected stories, the movie happens on Halloween night in a town. The movie weaves together a tapestry of tales that explore different aspects of Halloween tradition, stressing the repercussions of breaking the customs of the vacation.

The Storylines of "Trick 'r Treat"
The film consists of four main stories, each linked by the existence of Sam, a mystical and childlike trick-or-treater using shoddy orange pajamas with a burlap sack over his head. Sam works as a silent enforcer of Halloween's guidelines and customs throughout the movie, stepping in when characters disrespect the holiday's customs.

The very first story, "The Principal", revolves around Steven Wilkins, a high school principal who moonlights as a serial killer. After poisoning one of his trick-or-treaters, Wilkins experiences his child, Billy, and the 2 participate in an unsettling household tradition of carving a jack-o'-lantern, using the head of his newest victim.

In "Surprise Party", we follow Laurie, a girl who is uncomfortable about being a virgin. Together with her sis and friends, who are dressed as fairy-tale characters, Laurie is looking to discover somebody unique at the town's parade. By the end of the story, it's revealed that Laurie and her companions are a pack of werewolves who take advantage of a male who had been stalking Laurie.

"The Halloween School Bus Massacre" recalls at an awful event that occurred years back, when a school bus bring eight mentally challenged kids plunged into a lake, managed by their struggling bus motorist. A group of children goes to the website to pay homage, only to find that the dead kids' vengeful spirits are quite active.

In "Meet Sam", the final sector, Mr. Kreeg, a peevish old male who dislikes Halloween, discovers himself under attack in his own home by Sam, after he refuses to provide sweet and extinguishes his jack-o'-lantern too soon. In a struggle to survive, Kreeg discovers the true nature of his small assailant, however likewise reveals a dark trick of his own, linking him to the school bus massacre years earlier.

Themes and Messages
The movie delves into a number of styles, consisting of the significance of custom, neighborhood secrets, and the juxtaposition of appearances versus truth. Each storyline serves as a moral tale, too-- penalizing those who disrespect the Halloween customs and rewarding those who accept them. Dougherty's film serves as a homage to traditional horror and a tip that some traditions, particularly those as ancient and deeply rooted as those tied to Halloween, come with both history and effect.

Reception and Legacy
Upon release, "Trick 'r Treat" became a cult classic, with fans applauding its special storytelling, atmospheric setting, and the character of Sam ending up being a renowned figure in scary. Though not initially released in cinemas, the film acquired a following through home releases and film festivals, solidifying its place as a Halloween staple.

The film's anthology format served to reintroduce the fragmented storytelling style to modern audiences, reminiscent of earlier horror anthologies like "Creepshow". Its success ultimately led to announcements of a sequel, although, since my knowledge cut-off in 2023, "Trick 'r Treat 2" has actually not yet been launched.

In summary, "Trick 'r Treat" catches the essence of Halloween, weaving together a frightening and darkly funny set of stories that explore our fascination with worry, the supernatural, and the time-honored traditions that specify the spookiest of vacations.

Top Cast

  • Brian Cox (small)
    Brian Cox
    Mr. Kreeg
  • Quinn Lord (small)
    Quinn Lord
    Sam / Peeping Tommy
  • Anna Paquin (small)
    Anna Paquin
    Laurie
  • Dylan Baker (small)
    Dylan Baker
    Steven
  • Leslie Bibb (small)
    Leslie Bibb
    Emma
  • Tahmoh Penikett (small)
    Tahmoh Penikett
    Henry
  • Rochelle Aytes (small)
    Rochelle Aytes
    Maria
  • Britt McKillip (small)
    Britt McKillip
    Macy
  • Moneca Delain (small)
    Moneca Delain
    Janet
  • Lauren Lee Smith (small)
    Lauren Lee Smith
    Danielle
  • Brett Kelly (small)
    Brett Kelly
    Charlie