Loud, Rebellious, and Ready to Rock—at Any Cost

Read Time:5 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Trick or Treat 4K
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Genre: Horror, Comedy
Year Released: 1986, Synapse 4K 2025
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Charles Martin Smith
Writer(s): Rhet Topham, Michael S. Murphey, Joel Soisson, Rhet Topham, Glen Morgan, James Wong
Cast: Marc Price, Tony Fields, Glen Morgan, Lisa Orgolini
Where To Watch: available March 11, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Not every horror film sets out to terrify. Some aim to entertain, others lean into absurdity, and then some channel the energy of an entire subculture into something that feels different. TRICK OR TREAT captures heavy metal's untamed, rebellious spirit, twisting it into a supernatural nightmare where fandom is far more dangerous than expected. More than just a horror film, it thrives on its love for music, over-the-top energy, and ability to turn a rock star into something monstrous. It may not deliver pure scares, but it knows exactly what it wants to be—and commits to it with thrilling results.

Marc Price leads the film as Eddie Weinbauer, a high school outsider who finds his identity in heavy metal. His world revolves around his musical idol, Sammi Curr (Tony Fields), a rock star whose controversial persona makes him both a legend and a target for outrage. Eddie is devastated after a tragedy, left with nothing but his admiration and a growing sense of alienation. That is until local radio DJ Nuke (played by KISS icon Gene Simmons) hands him an unreleased album from Curr, a recording for his biggest fan. Eddie doesn’t realize that this isn’t just any record—when played backward, it becomes something far more sinister. What begins as an unbelievable connection to his idol quickly turns into a dangerous descent into chaos, proving that some legends are better left buried.

The film wastes no time proving its love for the heavy metal scene. The music isn’t just a background element; it fuels the entire experience. The soundtrack, performed by Fastway, delivers hard-hitting rock anthems that bring the film to life, amplifying the themes of rebellion and power. TRICK OR TREAT doesn’t just use heavy metal as an aesthetic—it embraces it, making it feel like an authentic part of the film’s DNA.

Adding to its credibility are some well-placed cameos that help ground the film in rock history. Simmons’ role as DJ Nuke is a perfect nod to the industry, making him the gatekeeper to the fateful recording that sets everything in motion. But the real standout is Ozzy Osbourne’s unexpected turn as Reverend Aaron Gilstrom, a televangelist railing against the dangers of rock music. Given Osbourne’s real-life battles with music censorship and satanic panic, his role is ironic and a brilliant satire, adding an extra layer of fun to the film. (and this was all back in 1986!)

Beyond the music, there’s something deeply relatable about Eddie’s story. He isn’t just a kid who loves metal; he uses music as an escape and a way to define himself. The film understands what it means to idolize an artist so intensely that their music feels like a lifeline. But it also explores the darker side of that devotion—what happens when admiration turns into blind worship? Eddie’s journey shifts from excitement to dread as he realizes his connection to Sammi Curr isn’t what he thought it would be.

Fields brings an unhinged intensity to Sammi Curr, transforming the rock star into something both charismatic and menacing. There’s destruction, chaos, and moments where the screen feels as wild as a full-blown rock concert. The effects may not be groundbreaking, but they serve the film’s high-energy style, making it less about creeping dread and more about sheer, over-the-top fun.

That said, the film does leave some potential unexplored. The supporting characters feel more like set pieces than fully developed individuals. Doug Savant plays Tim Hainey, Eddie’s high school bully, but his role never extends beyond being a stereotype. Lisa Orgolini’s Leslie, Eddie’s love interest, is likable but underutilized, mostly to give Eddie a reason to question his allegiance to Sammi Curr. These characters could have added more weight to the story if given stronger arcs.

TRICK OR TREAT is a headbanging blast from start to finish. It knows its audience and delivers exactly what it promises—music-fueled mayhem, an electrifying soundtrack, and a story that never takes itself too seriously. Director Charles Martin Smith keeps the energy engaging even when the story falls into some familiar horror beats.

Looking back, TRICK OR TREAT is a time capsule of an era when music and controversy went hand in hand. It may not have been a massive success upon release, but it has since carved out a place among fans who appreciate its unapologetic love for heavy metal and horror. Loud, rebellious, and packed with attitude, it’s the kind of movie that thrives on its excess.

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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