One of the most underrated 80's horror films!
I had seen Trick or Treat many years ago and remembered thinking it was just okay. I saw it yesterday in a bargain bin for $5 so I picked it up and watched again, and I have to say that in terms of 80's horror, this is exceptional.
The theme is 100% spot on with the period that the film was made. With thrash, death, black metal really hitting a high point in the mid 80's and the backlash it received from groups, government, and parents across the US, this film nailed the fear that heavy metal was corrupting our youth into savage devil worshipers. The tongue in cheek appearances from Gene and Ozzy are fantastic punctuations to what they were being admonished for in reality.
For being a low budget 80's horror film the plot is well above average. Including the message with metal music corrupting youth, here is a story of an outcast loner who is constantly being bullied and burdened for his love of a genre, that is depicted in a way that is over the top, but the progression of the bullying/retaliation works because of the demonic presence of Sammi Curr fueling both sides of the fire. Both of the two main characters, Eddie and Tim, were developed quite well. There is a clear character arc for both: Eddie goes from outcast to savior, revenge/avenge, metal lover/metal banisher. Tim goes from popular a-hole bully to fearful, to helpless, and finally punished. Tim's character is a representation of all those who fought against dark music through the late 70's and into the 80's that as we now know lost the fight against the industry, as did Tim (literally) in the climax.
The special effects and makeup are quite good for this films budget. Sammi Curr's undead/burned makeup is subtle yet effective. There are some great moments where Sammi uses his supernatural powers to appear/disappear (and kill) using electric currents from audio devices. One moment in particular towards the climax of the film has our main character Eddie and his love interest trying to escape Sammi's destruction at their high school dance and Sammi blasts out of a hallway PA system sending jolts of lightning all around the door frame below, until he materializes from the bolts ala Raiden in Mortal Kombat. While simple, the scene works great because of fantastic framing and back lighting making Sammi appear menacing.
Trick or Treat works on so many different layers and unlike many other slashers/supernatural films of the mid 1980's has a plot that fits and is relevant to the time period. If you haven't seen this gem yet, do yourself a favor and seek it out. There's even a watchable full version available on Youtube. 8/10.
What it sees, Lo Pan Knows!