The Terror of Hallow’s Eve: An homage to the 80s golden age of horror
The Good, The Needs Improvement and The Verdict
The Good
The Terror of Hallow’s Eve was refreshing in its originality. While it did pay homage to certain 80s films in the horror genre, it managed to have a unique premise. Zack Ward did a commendable job on this script based on a story by director Todd Tucker and Ronald L. Halvas.
According to Todd Tucker, the first thirty minutes of the film actually happened to him in real life. The victim of childhood bullying, Tucker’s film sends a powerful message that this is not normal behavior and it shouldn’t be tolerated. Just because someone is different doesn’t mean that they deserve cruelty and ridicule. Variances should be embraced and encouraged. If it weren’t for the outcasts, we might not have great artists, writers, musicians or scientists.
The Cast
Of course, the acting in this movie is on point. The character of the Trickster, in particular is a wonderful dichotomy. Part lovable Elf-on-the-Shelf like and part demented harlequin, you don’t know whether to be charmed or frightened.
Doug Jones performance is sinister despite the Trickster’s winsome ways and sing songy vocal delivery. He is like a Mother Goose rhyme gone astray.
Caleb Thomas is very believable as Tim. With his expressive face and awkward body language, he effectively plays a teen who is having an internal struggle with wanting to be a part of his peer group and yet wanting to stay true to himself.
Sarah Lancaster’s sympathetic performance as Tim’s overwhelmed mother Linda is heartbreaking. She wants to connect with her son but despite numerous attempts falls short. Struggling to make ends meet without the financial support of her husband, she feels guilty because she isn’t able to be there for Tim all the time.
Rounding out the cast, veteran actors Juliet Landau, Eric Roberts and Christian Kane lend credibility to their various roles. Kane is especially convincing as Tim’s menacing father, Bobby.
The Director
Todd Tucker’s love of the horror genre comes shining through in his direction. You can clearly see his influences in every shot and every frame. He knows how to keep a story moving and how to generate legitimate scares.
The Score
Jeffery Alan Jones and Chris Walden’s score of this film coupled with John Carpenter’s contribution harkens back to the days when music helped to set the tone of the film. Usually movies of today have catchy, poppy numbers or the latest Billboard hits.
Jones and Walden propel you back to the days of 80s horror and it is delightful.
The Needs Improvement
I will admit the ending was a little disappointing. While I appreciated the When a Stranger Calls aspect of it, I felt it was a bit abrupt in its execution. To me, it seemed forced and rushed. Almost like an afterthought rather than a legitimate part of the plot.
The Verdict
The Terror of Hallow’s Eve will entertain you and keep you on the edge of your seats. For those that remember the heyday of 80s horror, then you are in for a treat.
Don’t let the familiar tropes fool you! This movie has a message and it is real and tangible. That is what sets it apart from your run of the mill genre film. You won’t be disappointed with this effort.
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Do you plan on seeing The Terror of Hallow’s Eve? Do you like 80s horror films? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comment section below. We want to hear from you!