Ben Madilynn
Get ready for a clever scary experience when you watch Trick ‘r Treat, a Halloween cult classic premiering in Philippine theaters this week.
The horror dark comedy, which was released direct-to-DVD in 2007, is part of Thrill Fest, the annual fright festival by Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Trick ‘r Treat will screen nationwide until November 5, 2024, along with two other horror classics The Lost Boys and Corpse Bride.
Here’s a quick review of the three movies featured at the Thrill Fest 2024:
TRICK ‘R TREAT
Trick ‘r Treat is a clever, highly watchable horror anthology that weaves together four interconnected Halloween-themed stories.
Set in a small town, each tale explores different Halloween traditions—from a sinister school principal to a group of teens confronting a local legend, and an old man who gets an unexpected visit from a mischievous trick-or-treater.
Photo/s: Movie Poster
The central figure tying these stories together is a pint-sized but terrifying masked character who enforces Halloween rules—often with deadly consequences.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its anthology format.
Each story unfolds at just the right pace, offering a variety of scares without feeling fragmented.
While dealing with traumatic themes, Trick ‘r Treat is not too heavy on gore, making it surprisingly suitable for older kids and teens.
Replayability is one of its standout qualities.
Each time you watch, you’ll notice hidden details and connections between the stories that might have been missed the first time.
This adds a rich layer of depth to the film, making it more than just a one-time Halloween watch.
It’s no surprise there has been a huge clamor for a sequel. Thankfully, director Michael Dougherty announced that development began last year, so Trick ‘r Treat fans have something to look forward to.
THE LOST BOYS
The Lost Boys, directed by Joel Schumacher, is an iconic 1987 vampire film that blends horror, humor, and teenage angst.
The story centers around two brothers who move with their mother to the frenetic beach town of Santa Carla.
They soon discover that the town has a darker side, filled with vampires.
Photo/s: Movie Poster
The film’s 1980s aesthetic is a major highlight, showcasing edgy fashion, a neon-lit boardwalk, and a soundtrack featuring bands like INXS and The Doors.
It captures a very specific era of youth culture that is lost to time, making it a nostalgic trip to a time of big hair, leather jackets, and rebellious vibes.
One drawback is that the movie’s endingdoesn’t fully deliver the bombastic climax you might expect.
After all the tension and build-up, the final showdown between the vampires and the vampire hunters feels a little underwhelming.
It lacks a bit of spectacle.
CORPSE BRIDE
Helmed by Tim Burton, this stopmotion animated film blends dark fantasy, romance, and the director’s signature gothic style.
Photo/s: Movie Poster
Set in a dreary Victorian-era village, the story follows Victor Van Dort, a shy young man who, while rehearsing his wedding vows in the woods, accidentally marries the mysterious Corpse Bride, Emily.
Victor is then swept into the vibrant, surreal Land of the Dead, while his fiancée, Victoria Everglot, waits for him in the land of the living.
The film’s moody color palette is stunning, and the intricate stop-motion animation vividly brings the characters and their contrasting worlds to life.
The eerie gothic aesthetic—hallmark of Burton’s films—works beautifully, crafting a whimsical yet melancholic atmosphere that feels timeless.
Led by Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, the voice cast infuses warmth and charm into the characters, making the film feel more heartfelt than its macabre setting might suggest.
While Corpse Bride shines in many areas, it does have its shortcomings.
The story, though charming, can feel somewhat predictable and lacks the emotional depth found in other Burton classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The ending also wraps up rather abruptly, potentially leaving viewers with lingering questions about the future of the characters.
Thrill Fest 2024 is showing in 23 Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide until November 5, at only 150 pesos a ticket.
