Trick or Treats – Film Review

Released in 1982, Trick or Treats is a horror film that attempts to capture the essence of Halloween horror but unfortunately falls flat in its execution. Despite a promising premise and a few eerie moments, the film ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying and coherent narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and missed potential.

One of the film’s major downfalls is its lackluster plot, which feels hastily thrown together and devoid of depth. The story revolves around a babysitter, Linda, who is left in charge of a young boy on Halloween night. The setup initially promises the classic horror trope of a babysitter in peril, but the film struggles to build tension or create a sense of genuine fear. Instead, viewers are subjected to a series of predictable and clichéd scenes, where the scares are more likely to induce eye-rolls than actual fright.

The characters in Trick or Treats are one-dimensional and lack any real development. Linda, played by Jackelyn Giroux, is the stereotypical babysitter: naive, easily frightened, and lacking the resourcefulness one might expect from a protagonist in a horror film. The film does little to explore her character or provide any backstory, leaving the audience uninvested in her fate. Similarly, the supporting characters are forgettable and fail to leave any lasting impression, contributing to the overall lack of engagement.

While horror films often rely on a strong atmosphere to create tension, Trick or Treats struggles in this department as well. The film’s cinematography and set design lack the eerie and haunting ambiance that is crucial for a successful horror movie. The lighting and camera work do little to enhance the suspense, and the film’s low-budget aesthetic is painfully evident throughout. As a result, the film fails to immerse viewers in its world, preventing any meaningful connection between the audience and the unfolding events.

One of the film’s few redeeming qualities is the occasional use of practical effects to create gruesome and macabre scenes. There are moments of gore that may satisfy fans of the genre, but these instances are few and far between. The sporadic shock value, however, cannot compensate for the overall lack of substance and creativity in the film’s execution.

Furthermore, Trick or Treats suffers from a confusing and disjointed narrative that leaves viewers scratching their heads rather than contemplating the intricacies of the plot. The film’s pacing is erratic, with scenes that drag on intercut with abrupt and jarring shifts in tone. This lack of cohesion further detracts from the viewing experience, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with the story.

In terms of performances, the cast does little to elevate the material they are given. While it’s unfair to expect Oscar-worthy acting in a low-budget horror film, the performances in Trick or Treats lack conviction and fail to evoke genuine emotions. The actors often deliver their lines with a woodenness that further diminishes the impact of the already weak dialogue.

Trick or Treats is a forgettable entry in the horror genre that struggles to leave a lasting impression. Its uninspired plot, lackluster characters, and absence of a compelling atmosphere make it a disappointing watch for horror enthusiasts. While there are fleeting moments of gore that may momentarily pique the interest of fans of practical effects, they are not enough to salvage the film from its overall mediocrity. Viewers seeking a truly chilling and well-crafted Halloween experience would be better off looking elsewhere, as Trick or Treats fails to deliver the spine-tingling thrills that the genre is known for.