828boosNOW, Day 29: ‘Trick ‘r Treat’

HALLOWEENTOWN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Every day this month, resident horror movie enthusiast and 828newsNOW staff reporter Pruett Norris is recommending a Halloween film for your macabre amusement.

Whether they be monster movies or fearsome family films, demonic possessions or slasher sensations, this exercise hopes to encourage spooky seasonal “scream”ings at home or in cinemas.  

As the old saying goes, “trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something good to…watch.”

Day 29: TRICK ‘R TREAT (2007, 82 min., directed by Michael Dougherty)

Horror anthologies are a lot like a bag of Halloween candy. You have your staples, stuff like M&Ms or Twix or Reese’s. There are a couple of truly terrible editions, like an expired Heath Bar or a house that hands out raisins. Then, occasionally, you’ll receive a blessedly king sized bar of your favorite candy, gone too soon but fondly remembered.

All this to say, horror anthologies usually feature mostly mediocre shorts, a couple of truly terrible ones and one or two truly exceptional segments.

“Trick ‘r Treat,” the 2007 horror anthology, is no stranger to this formula.

There are four primary tales inside the “Trick ‘r Treat” goodie-bag: “Principal,” “Halloween School Bus Massacre,” “Surprise Party” and “Sam,” in addition to a short prologue and epilogue. The stories interweave in a loosely connected manner but are mainly connected by Sam, a mysterious trick ‘r treater costumed in a round burlap head and orange footie pajamas.

Of the Halloween bag range of quality, “Principal” and “Sam” are solid entries. “Halloween School Bus Massacre” leaves a great deal to be desired. “Surprise Party” is fantastic.

“Trick ‘r Treat” is a treat and a great selection for the Halloween party programmers out there.

“Trick ‘r Treat” is available to stream on Max.