Samhain Project '24: Trick Or Treat (1986)

And there it is!

The movie I've been wanting to see since October 24, 1986, when I lived in Waco, Texas. 

I got to see a nice print of it with the curse words dropped out, but seemingly otherwise intact on the cable channel known as Comet.  Not perfect, but there's not a lot of options.  The Anchor Bay version, which has no subtitles and has been out of print since the Korean War, and I believe being of less than perfect image quality, and a German boutique are the only options.  Neither cost-effective.  Theres also a Region 2 titled Ragman, but I'm uncertain of its quality. 

Anyway. 

The first half is actually pretty striking.  Our lead, Eddie, played by Marc Price (whom many would know as Skippy from TV's Family Ties) is bullied by a bunch of defectives inspired by Ralph Macchio's oppressors in The Karate Kid and led by a young Doug Savant.  I mean this poor kid really takes a beating and some embarrassing pranks to boot.  Price is very effective in the role as our young high school metalhead; you really feel for him.  Charles Martin Smith's direction is strong, and the pacing is really perfect. 

Then the second half.  It kind of gets a little, um..... overblown.  Eddie's rock and roll hero, Sammi Curr had died in a hotel fire leaving Eddie in a funk.  That is until Eddie gets a single pressing of Curr's final album gifted to him by his local DJ buddy. 

Now this is the eye-opener.  Gene Simmons plays this character, Nuke, and in a short period, displays a somewhat sympathetic, beleaguered soul with more depth than can be expected for just a few minutes of screen time.  I've always felt Simmons was a better actor than a musician.  This proves it. 

The record is the source of the second half's weakness. It holds Curr's evil presence.  The resurrection of Curr is kind of over-the-top, and if it weren't for Tony Fields double duty demonic force/rock star posturer, would really make the  latter portion weak.  Pretty cool to listen to one of my favorite 80's bands, Fastway, ringing throughout the film, and almost all of the supporting performances are strong. 

As the film takes place during the lead in to a high school Halloween dance, it's perfect for this time of year.  Even with the lagging that may occur during the latter portions, this is well worth the watch, and I'm glad I finally, after 38 years, got a chance to view it.