The Terror of Hallow's Eve (2017) User Reviews

Watch the magic pumpkin ...

[mungflesh · 6/10 · 30 August 2017]

In The Terror of Hallows Eve, a teenager called Tim - who is a budding special effects artist - is beaten up by some bad guys in his neighbourhood. In his frustration and thanks to a magic pumpkin, he summons a devious imp called "The Trickster" who is like a genie/jester and persuades Tim to play "the real" trick or treat on his assailants ...

This is the plot in a nutshell and it's easy to see where it goes from there. It bears similarities to 80's classics such as Trick or Treat, House and Waxwork, though different enough from any of those.

It's a solid movie but I felt it went a bit awry towards the end, with scenes feeling somewhat irrelevant. What I enjoyed most is it's a kind of movie that's been missing from the horror genre for a while. It's a more intimate version of Wishmaster but, if compared directly to it, fares well in the area of character and script which are both much more interesting but when the FX kick off, doesn't quite have the impact it should. The special effects were cool, traditional non-cg effects but at times didn't gel so well with the plot and felt a bit like they were there just for their own sake. I liked The Trickster but he too could arguably have been utilised better in the second half.

It's well acted and visually really good but you might find yourself a tad disconnected towards the end, which is a shame because it starts out really well.

Good but not excellent.

Director Todd Tucker is the True Trickster

[wwejournalist · 5/10 · 28 June 2020]

In all honesty I actually enjoyed this film.

Despite the campy 80s horror nature of the thing I think it was acted out really well, and as laughable as some of the effects were it was fun and not the worst way to pass an hour and a half.

It was kind of like Goosebumps for adults and that's fine in my book, I'd happily watch it again.

However the biggest riddle of the film presents itself before a single scene of the movie has been played.

Right at the start a message flashes up on the screen saying it is 'based on real life events' or words to that effect.

Having watched it I was perplexed. To give a VERY high level overview, the story follows a budding horror effects artist who is bullied by a few older kids (a jock, a fat kid and a stoner... hitting all the tropes!) He unwittingly summons a demon to do his bidding and ends up bearing the brunt of the consequences.

So I wondered... Was it based on a murderer that blamed the paranormal for making him do it?

Was it based on the wild claims of some poor soul troubled by a demon?

Well no, after some research I finally found the answer in an interview with director Todd Tucker; it was based on his childhood, or rather the first 30 minutes was.

Basically he got bullied when he was a child. Everything supernatural that followed was pure fantasy.

Surely you can't brand something 'based on real life events' in this circumstance?

That's like claiming Jurassic Park is based on real life events because there is an archeological dig going on in Montana, or that Harry Potter is based on real life events because somewhere in the world an adopted child went to a zoo with his aunt, uncle and cousin, and looked at some snakes.

It's ridiculous.

The film didn't even need it.

I would recommend you watch this as it is a little bit of fun, it's just a shame the director decided to try and deceive people for no apparent reason.

Interesting movie

[kfrex · 5/10 · 16 August 2019]

Basically, it's like Rodriguez or Tarantino met Tim Burton and made a, not so scary Halloween movie. It's unique...I'll give it that.

LACKING... literally in every way

[kjhott-78228 · 2/10 · 14 September 2019]

The story has potential - sadly it wasn't met in this film. When I first watched it I could not believe it was made in 2017. It may have been a B film in the 1980's but it doesn't even cut it as a C film today.

Good start, very early 80s.....then crap

[daveramsey-63980 · 4/10 · 13 November 2019]

After a decent start just like an early 80s horror movie, the usual geek getting bullied etc then half way through it turned into the most low budget bunch of crap I've seen in a long time, such a shame after a promising start. I give the start 8/10, the last half 0/10 making it 4/10 and that's on a good day.

Not Bad Revenge/Horror Flick!

[gwnightscream · 5/10 · 22 May 2019]

This 2017 horror film takes place in 1981 on Halloween where we meet teenage kid, Tim who is very artistic and into horror/occult. He lives with his mom who works as a nurse and soon, Tim decides to get revenge on 3 bullies who beat him up by summoning a shapeshifting demon, The Trickster. When things go a little too far, Tim tries to stop it. This isn't bad, except for some acting, but there's creepy moments, an eerie score and good make-up effects. The film is also similar to other revenge/horror flicks like, "Pumpkinhead," "Trick or Treat," "Creepshow" and "Evilspeak" plus it pays homage to John Carpenter's "Halloween." Fans of horror or the holiday may want to check this out at least once.

Very enjoyable horror fantasy!

[Mike_T-Little_Mtn_Sound_Archive · 7/10 · 25 February 2019]

Quite honestly, this was one of the better movies I've seen in the more horror-lite fantasy genre. Probably a hair beyond what I would call a "family movie," but teenagers would be ok, and it's got just enough edge to keep them satisfied.

In any case, my comments are more about content than anything. Had there been more gore, this would have been an 8-9 for me. Very decent all around flick.

As with with most horror/fantasy movies, don't go looking for the holes or you will find them. Just sit back, take what you're given, and enjoy.

Parental content:

NUDITY/SEX: only slight to moderate. Not much in the way of anything, but there are multiple connotative remarks and lead-ins.

PROFANITY: yeh...a handful of examples. Not overly gratuitous in any way, but there are some places where f-bombs are dropped.

INTENSE SCENES: moderate at best. The theme of the movie is "scaring bullies to death," so there are a couple of jump-scares, but nothing that should give most adults a heart attack. Well done scenes, to say the least.

VIOLENCE/GORE: quite frankly, I didn't think there would be anything along these lines, but there are a handful of scenes that yield blood and minor gore. I would classify this as "moderate," but definitely not severe, even with the most intense of scenes.

A fun, well made flick that should be enjoyable for all ages of fans, though, likely not appropriate for children under 13-15ish age. Good script, decent acting, moderately good special fx...it's nowhere near perfect, but it doesn't need to be in order to succeed at being entertaining. And that it is!

72 minute movie with 40 minutes of nothing

[lbz_1979 · 3/10 · 11 May 2019]

Literally nothing happens in the first 40 minutes, just a typical bullying backstory. The effects are good but the acting is absolutely terrible. A complete ripoff of Brainscan(they even steal the name of the bad guy...the Trickster). Brainscan is a cult classic, this movie is a poorly acted snooze fest.

Pranking for real

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 20 October 2017]

You may not identify with the lead character, but he is being as real and as well painted as he can. And that has something to do, that the boy is based on the directors childhood. Some look for comedy in their search for their own truth. He went on and made practical effects, dolls and other stuff to pass time (and scare people too as a byproduct).

The story itself is a bit predictable, but you can feel the love for the genre, the love for filmmaking, in every pore of this movie. So while this isn't without its flaws, it has enough tension and especially effects to hold the viewers attention. If that sounds like something you can also get excited about, you probably will have a good time watching this. I know it had an overall good reaction at Frightfest where it played

Too much Fanboys

[Ctaylor1980 · 3/10 · 22 October 2018]

Technically wonderful, but with too many fanboy call-outs and a clunky story - The Terror of Hallow's Eve is worth a look, but I've got plenty of reservations. Basically, I'm telling you to watch with caution.

Need more Trickster!!!

[debncalifornia · 9/10 · 16 April 2018]

This movie has the feel of the 80's horror movie's. Just set back and let the movie entertain you! It seems to have at least 5 different horror movie's combined into this one, great show!

Each horror character just bring things to another level. From the pumpkin to the Trickster.....what is lurking around the corner?!!

How Tim was taken over by the "mean" Trickster to really do what he wished...makes you think if you, yourself ever thought about doing things to people that have treated you wrong, would you go to this extreme...??!

This movie delivers in everyway possible. Great cast and the story line is easy to follow and get into. Just really makes you want more. More of the Trickster!

80's Nostalgia

[katiellewellyn · 7/10 · 27 November 2019]

Love this movie. Total nostalgic bringing horror fans back to the 80's genre aka Nightmare Freddy/ Fri 13th Jason & Hellraiser plus countless more past movies.

A troubled teen into creative horror gore gets physically beat up by school bullies & then gets given the supernatural opportunity for revenge via an old Skool Halloween demon, The Trickster. It soon goes all proceeds out of control & descends into uncontrollable & violent chaos, even for those he cares about

Totally give it a watch advice to the 80's nerds such as me

Why is there positive reviews for this crap?

[tfun6 · 1/10 · 16 August 2019]

This movie was horrible! Not scary at all, not one bit. Have people forgot what a scary movie is? Not this pile of garbage!

I thought it was going for a Fade to Black vibe, which would've been way better, but it went to a mindless death by the numbers route, deaths that weren't even entertaining. Fat kid eats food in a strange setting cause that's normal for fat people. Stoner smokes joint in similar situation cause that's what stoners do. Lazy writing, bad acting and a totally pointless ending.

It's too late for me, but maybe I can save someone else from watching this waste of time.

A feel of the past..

[ts-0000 · 20 April 2020]

Has an 80's type approach,a bit of cornish style & overall decent story. Added it on a list of movies,to watch again during October.

Not a Grade A movie

[silverlqid · 4/10 · 19 June 2019]

However, it is not a grade B one either. A bit corny but overall a fun lil movie. Best viewed with a partner some popcorn and a blanket.

smashing pumpkings

[allanmichael30 · 1/10 · 2 November 2019]

Smash the pumpkins put out the lame! The special effects were lame. The evil creature is an evil rumpelstiltskin copy. The film could have been better but lazy writing and its just another bad movie.

Worst Horror Halloween Movie Ever

[adsdmnel · 1/10 · 8 November 2019]

Such poor script and predictable storyline. Waste of time having Eric Robert's in the film for a 2 minute segment. Waste of Doug Jones talent as a performance actor. No substance no scares no gore! Dreadful. Poor effects. The ending!!! Well enough said let's bring some more cliches to the present day sequence mental home. Poor film very poor.

Solid Halloween film

[rudyfat · 7/10 · 5 October 2020]

I came into thinking this would be bad and I was surprised how fun this movie is. Reminds me of Goosebumps or Are you Afraid of the Dark but for an older audience. Solid movie

Full to brim with alot of poor filler

[KoolCatReviews · 2/10 · 3 May 2020]

The best part of the movie is very start and the end of the movie. I really liked the retro feel it has. But other than that there is tons of awkward filler. For the most part it is poorly acted. The plot is vague and seems very fake. It throws the bullied plot in very weakly. When it uses so much time to develop characters and back story it might come as a shock that it still left me indifferent.

There are men who call me Tim.

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 19 December 2018]

Timmy (Caleb Thomas) is being raised by a single mom (Sarah Lancaster) who drove away their coke-head abusive father (Christian Kane). He is artistic and crafts items for Halloween. He is also bullied. He finds a book on Halloween in the attic of unknown origin and accidentally conjures the trickster (Doug Jones) who enacts revenge against the bullies.

Fairy decent horror film in spite of the Eric Roberts cameo. Don't expect too much. Nothing really original, just old stuff done decently. Good "B" cast.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Wtf

[joeybear-96997 · 3/10 · 22 May 2021]

The storyline I get could be good but the movie itself is horrible no other words a pile of junk not scary at all of anything comedic wow wtf did I just watch 🤢

Pretty darn great!

[waitandhope · 8/10 · 19 February 2019]

I won't spoil anything, but this movie is worth more than 5 stars out of 10 for serious. It's fun, got good monsters, and good story. The cast is great also. I see no problems here with it, everyone should have a copy on their shelves for Halloween.

Good Movie Ruined By a Bad Ending

[mwgfgrey · 6/10 · 2 November 2019]

So I just decided to watch this because it was ondemand for free. I knew it would be cheesy just looking at the cover, but itnwad actually better than I thought. Wasn't big on the ending because too many horror movies are going that route these days. There wasnt really over the top gore which is a breath of fresh air. It had kind of a cheesy 80s horror vibe to it. Other than the ending I'd say it's worth a watch.

Khan Review

[zkzuber · 1/10 · 22 August 2021]

It does not even deserves one star, viewers giving positive reviews? No comments. This is not even 80's horror it's kind of animated children fun short film. Who ever made this movie must be like got up one morning took his handy and said ok lets make a master piece in twenty minutes. Seriously don't waste your time. Ban such film makers.

Another good movie on halloween

[dy38493 · 5/10 · 16 February 2020]

Good movie on halloween to see nice story line and nice creative pumpkin size large halloween on hallows day.