A Halloween classic that never quite made it to theaters when it was initially released is getting a second chance at a big screen debut after 15 years of becoming a fan favorite. The horror anthologyTrick r' Treat, a set of several linked and overlapping stories set on Halloween night, is set to premiere on both AMC and Regal screens in October, just in time for Halloween.
Trick r' Treat, created and directed by Michael Dougherty, debuted at various festivals in 2007 but was released byWarner Bros. in 2009 straight to DVD. The anthology-style film stars some recognizable horror faces like Anna Paquin and Leslie Bibb, as well as its spooky central figure, Sam, known for his burlap-covered pumpkin head and a sinister slicing jack o' lantern sucker.Trick r' Treathas since become a perennial favorite, winning over audiences with its interwoven plot lines, keen scares, and delightful mix of horror and comedy. Taking place in a span of only a few hours, the film threads multiple storylines together, including that of a school principal who just happens to be a serial killer, a college girl intent on losing her virginity, a bullied outcast, and grumpy neighbors punished for not embracing the season.
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Not just one, but two theatre chains will be bringingTrick r' Treatto the big screen, including Regal Theaters, which will be offering screenings on October 6th. AMC Theaters will follow with screenings of its own beginning October 21st. Renewed interest in the film has been evidenced by the spread of the horror classic on streaming platforms and an abundance of related merchandise available the past few seasons, including costumes andFunk Pop figures of Sam, who has reached Halloween icon status right up there with the likes of Michael Myers. AMC Theatres announced the news with a short video, while WB Classic Films confirmed the news on its official Twitter account.
Trick r' Treathas been repeatedly praised for its intriguing structure, its exploration of the holiday’s delights and disappointments, and for being a well-shot, visually nostalgic cinematography not usually seen in straight-to-DVD horror. The film’s multi-part structure is excellently rendered, with various twists, turns, and overlaps, that make it feel like a cohesive whole. The film’s frights are combined with not only great atmospheric overtones but humor and playfulness that make it a yearly favorite.
With a wealth of spooky options for pre-Halloween scares on screen, includingMichael Myers himself inHalloween Ends,Trick r' Treathas a large amount of competition among new audiences, but will no doubt appeal to fans of the film who have been touting its virtues since the early days of its release.
Trick r' Treathits Regal Theaters on October 6th, 2022, and AMC Theaters on October 21st, 2022.
