When high school outcast Eddie Weinbauer acquires a rare demo record, through backward masking, he unwittingly resurrects his heavy metal icon, rebellious rock star Sammi Curr, setting off a supernatural rampage.
Directed by Charles Martin Smith, and predating the lesser Black Roses and Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare, Trick or Treat blends rock ‘n’ roll rebellion with supernatural horror, leaning into the Satanic Panic era with campy charm. While the pacing and editing feel uneven, and the budget shows at times, the film compensates with strong atmosphere, memorable practical effects, and old-school optical effects that give the supernatural sequences a distinctive, eerie glow. The fiery finale delivers thrills, and the film’s mix of metal and horror creates a uniquely energetic vibe.
With all the 80’s high school bullying, romance and teen angst shenanigans thrown in on the peripheral Marc Price’s Eddie makes for a likeable underdog, while Lisa Orgolini’s gets more to do than typical female horror characters, particularly in the action-heavy climax. Elaine Joyce is notable as Eddie’s Mother and Elise Richard’s’ gratuitous Genie leaves an impression. Tony Fields is perfectly cast as theatrical Sammi Curr, exuding sinister rockstar menace and could have done with a little more screen time. But less is debatably better than more. Cameos from Ozzy Osbourne as a pious televangelist and Gene Simmons as a grizzled DJ add extra fun for rock fans.
Fastway’s soundtrack fuels the film’s pulse, with electrifying riffs and devilish lyrics that seamlessly tie into Rhet Topham‘s story.
Overall, Despite its flaws, Trick or Treat thrives on its metal-fuelled energy, eerie visuals and effects, securing its place as a cult favourite in the rock horror sub-genre.
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