FEATURE FILMS

trick 'r treat
superman returns
x-men 2
 

ANIMATION

season's greetings
refrigerator art
crayons
deadtime stories

HIH was at the opening night for Screamfest 2008 in Hollywood on Friday, and I was absolutely thrilled to be among the first audience to screen Mike Dougherty's Trick 'R Treat, a frighteningly fantastic throwback to traditional horror movies.

The film (it's soooo good. Like, SCREAM good) stars True Blood's Anna Paquin, Brian Cox and Dylan Baker in four different storylines that weave in and out of each other in a small Ohio town on Halloween night. Four girls are stalked by a shadowy figure. An old hermit is terrorized by a trick-or-treater who'll do anything to get a piece of candy. Pranksters learn a deadly lesson about their town's history. And a school principal collects some very special jack-o-lanterns...All of it comes together nicely in a brilliant twist ending that leaves you wanting more.

Dougherty, a self-proclaimed Halloween fanatic, does admirably well for his directorial debut from an original script that was inspired by his very own award-winning short, Season's Greetings. And the applause and cheers couldn't have been any louder by the end of the film. A much-needed joyride during this season, Trick 'R Treat is a thrilling, suspenseful and (surprise) funny flick worth viewing repeatedly (I smell cult following).

Unfortunately, Trick 'R Treat won't be playing at your local multiplex due to marketing challenges Warner Bros. was too afraid to deal with (in other words, it's not an Asian remake/80s reimagining/ Saw sequel - so it couldn't possibly find an audience and make any money, right?). Do yourself and the hardworking crew behind this gem a favor - search far and wide for any screenings near you or wait for the studio's inevitable DVD release. Or just buy the damn thing - horror fans, it's totally worth it...a giant Treat indeed.

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