What a novel idea – make a horror anthology focusing on Halloween. Writer/director Michael Dougherty originally created an animated short entitled Season’s Greetings focusing on the mystique of Halloween. Unfortunately it was little seen. However a few year’s later he was able to do a film entitled Trick ‘r Treat (produced by Bryan Singer). The film included a number of well known character actors and actresses including Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, Leslie Bibb, and Dylan Baker (among others).

In “anywhere” U.S.A., Halloween has come. Following a small child in a scarecrow costume, we meet the small community and some of its residents. A group of sexy college girls get their costumes and head out to a bonfire party in the middle of the woods. The local school principal gives out candy to both nice and not-so-nice children. The grumpy old man shuts off his lights and refuses to celebrate. A group of children head out to find the truth about a local legend.

The film had public screenings back in 2007 and received many good reviews. Buzz began to spread across the internet, yet the months passed with little news. Finally, in 2009, the production studio unceremoniously released it straight to disc in 2009. Immediately the film became a hit, re-launched the career of Anna Paquin as a scream queen, and became a holiday viewing tradition right next to John Carpenter’s Halloween. Dark Discussions talks about this cult classic and gives their opinions.