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The best horror movie you’ve never seen

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Horror Film
In ‘Trick ‛r Treat,’ Sam wreaks havoc on characters who betray Halloween traditions. Legendary

Scott Malia, College of the Holy Cross

It’s scary movie season, a time when many people watch films about zombies, serial killers, werewolves, magic and mysterious monsters who are impossible to kill.

However, as far as I know, there’s only one film that features all of those elements – and you’ve probably never seen it.

Made in 2007, “Trick ‛r Treat” consists of four interconnected horror stories, each about 15 to 20 minutes long, that all take place on a single Halloween night.

While characters from one story sometimes appear in other segments, the unifying force in the film is Sam, a mysterious creature wearing a burlap mask. He takes umbrage whenever a character disrespects a Halloween tradition, whether it’s by scaring away trick-or-treaters or blowing out a jack-o’-lantern before Halloween is over. Each meets a gruesome end.

Horror buffs eventually discovered the film. Today, it’s hailed as a modern classic. https://www.youtube.com/embed/NJ66Htmmq4M?wmode=transparent&start=0 ‘Trick ‛r Treat’ ended up forgoing a theatrical run.

What went wrong?

“Trick ‛r Treat” was produced by a major studio, Warner Bros. It featured A-list stars, such as Brian Cox and Oscar-winner Anna Paquin. It was produced by Bryan Singer, who was known for churning out hits such as “X-Men” and “The Usual Suspects.” And though its director, Mike Dougherty, was making his directorial debut, he had worked as a screenwriter on films such as “X2: X-Men United” and “Superman Returns.”

Despite all of these credentials, the film’s theatrical release was delayed from fall 2007 to 2008. Then a theater run was canceled altogether, with Warner Bros. finally releasing it on video in 2009.

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The studio never gave an official reason for pulling the theatrical release; however, some critics have speculated that the box office success of the “Saw” franchise and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” remake were factors.

Other reports suggest that the film’s anthology format, its mixture of horror and comedy, and a plot featuring murdered children made it too hard a sell.

Given the cost of marketing and promoting “Trick ‛r Treat” to a nationwide audience, perhaps the risk wasn’t worth it for a film with a relatively small US$5 million budget. Dougherty himself said these hang-ups constituted a “perfect storm,” suggesting that no one development sealed the film’s fate.

Young man with closely cropped hair wears black suit and black tie.
Michael Dougherty’s film included a number of elements that became mainstays of the genre – he was just a bit early to the game. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Bypassing the box office

As recently as a decade ago, films released directly to DVD were viewed as flops or cash grabs. In fact, there’s an entire subgenre called “mockbusters” – low-budget rip-offs of studio films, such as “Transmorphers,” which tried to piggyback the success of the “Transformers” franchise, and “Atlantic Rim,” which attempted to do the same for the 2013 blockbuster “Pacific Rim.”

Then there are direct-to-video sequels meant to capitalize off hits. Disney made a lot of money in the late 1990s and early 2000s producing widely panned, direct-to-video animated features such as “The Return of Jafar” and “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World.”

But second lives for films that were initially snubbed or ignored are nothing new.

The Boondock Saints” was briefly screened in a handful of theaters for a single week in 1999 before being dumped into the video market. Only then did viewers find it, and it became a cult favorite that eventually begat a sequel.

The stigma of direct-to-video release has diminished over the past decade thanks to the rise of streaming, in which content made directly for home viewing can receive critical acclaim and attract subscribers.

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Actor Nicolas Cage has made a cottage industry of this format. While some have attributed his massive output in the past decade to his financial difficulties, Cage’s films “Joe” (2013), “Mandy” (2018) and “Pig” (2021) have all received critical acclaim, despite sometimes only running in a handful of theaters for a week before their release into streaming markets and video on demand.

It’s this sort of tradition that led to the rediscovery of “Trick ‛r Treat.”

Man with beard poses while wearing a gold jacket and aviator sunglasses.
Nicolas Cage attends the special screening of ‘Mandy’ in 2018. Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic via Getty Images.

Hipster horror

The appeal of “Trick ‛r Treat” is rooted in its subversion of horror tropes.

For example, women and children, who’ve historically served as victims in the genre, have a lot more agency in Dougherty’s Halloween tale. In fact, the mysterious Sam was played by Quinn Lord, who was only 8 years old when the film was shot. In the film, the character’s origin, age and gender remain undefined since Sam is masked or covered in prosthetics for the entire film, blurring the line between human and monster.

In addition, the film’s complex structure, which some speculated might have hurt its chances for commercial success, helped fuel the film’s critical praise. Dougherty called it “‘Pulp Fiction’ meets ‘Halloween,’” a nod to the interlocking structure of Quentin Tarantino’s breakout film and the setting of John Carpenter’s horror staple, which also unfolds over one Halloween night.

It has become somewhat of a cliché to say that esteemed art, initially overlooked, was “ahead of its time.”

Still, it would be fair to say that “Trick ‘r Treat” arrived on the cusp of what has been called a “horror renaissance” in the past 15 years. Directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Mike Flanagan have found critical and commercial success by branding themselves as horror auteurs.

In addition, Peele and directors like Nia Dacosta, who helmed 2021’s “Candyman,” have opened up a brand of horror that deals with social issues and identity. Dougherty’s film also anticipated a trend of horror films with a darkly humorous streak, including Peele’s “Get Out” and David Gordon Green’s reimagined “Halloween” sequels.

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Despite the film’s rocky beginnings, “Trick ‛r Treat” received a belated theatrical release in 2022, which has spurred talk of a potential sequel.

Dougherty even acknowledges that the film may owe its current popularity to its botched release. While some mainstream films disappear quickly, “Trick ‛r Treat” – currently streaming on Max – reappears every Halloween. Just like Sam.

Scott Malia, Associate Professor of Theatre, College of the Holy Cross

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Easter and School Holiday Escapes, A Family-Friendly Retreat at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

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BALI, IndonesiaApril 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrate Easter and the upcoming school holidays with an unforgettable beachfront getaway at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. With a refreshed lobby, a vibrant social lounge at &More by Sheraton, and the newly renovated “PlayHouse” kids club, the resort blends premium comfort with family-friendly fun in the heart of Kuta.

Wake up to the gentle sound of waves and breathtaking ocean views from your private balcony, setting the perfect tone for a memorable family escape. The Suite Experience package offers spacious comfort with a sofa bed, kids’ tent amenities, a one-time minibar, VIP perks, and a special family room setup. Begin your day with a lavish buffet breakfast, fueling adventures for the little ones at PlayHouse, where 20+ activities keep them entertained, while parents unwind by the infinity pool or enjoy curated moments with the Side by Side program. Afternoons invite relaxation and indulgence with the Jewelry Box Afternoon Tea, a delightful treat for the whole family. Families can also enjoy 15% off dining, including the famous Sunday Social Brunch, where kids dine free. As the sun sets, the revitalized lobby offers a warm, inviting space for coffee, pastries, and social gatherings, while &More by Sheraton sets the scene for a perfect evening with live music, handcrafted cocktails, and stunning views of Kuta Beach. Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Bene Italian Kitchen, sip signature drinks at &More by Sheraton, or explore diverse culinary delights at Daily Social, all with panoramic ocean vistas. Just steps from Beachwalk Shopping Center, local markets, and the iconic WXYZ Bar at Aloft Bali Kuta, the resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Whether an Easter egg hunt by the beach or a sunset cocktail, every moment is designed for lasting memories. Ashley Lai, Cluster General Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort & Aloft Bali Kuta at Beachwalk, shares “It’s more than a place to stay, it’s a destination. With refreshed spaces, family-friendly experiences, and unmatched dining, we create moments that last a lifetime.” Enjoy the Marriott Bonvoy Fast Track program, become a member and register by April 14, 2025, to earn 1,000 bonus points and 1 Elite Night Credit per night. For more information visit Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.   SOURCE Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

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Consumer Corner

NIKON ANNOUNCES THE NIKON Z5II: LET FULL-FRAME BE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY

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Amplify any Aesthetic & Unleash Your Full Creative Potential with the Most Feature-Packed Camera in its Class

MELVILLE, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nikon announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark. The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.1 The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one thirdthe time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise. The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colors. “The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for in order to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.” Reliably Fast Focus and Performance The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits or action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.
  • 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
  • The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
  • Fast continuous shooting speedswith a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
  • Pre-Release Capturefunction when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.
Embrace Low Light Like Never Before There’s no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light. Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.
  • Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EVdelivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
  • A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
  • The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop6 increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
  • Focus-point VR7 tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
  • Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Color Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
  • Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode. Perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.
Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information. Additionally, the rear 3.2″ Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot. The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance. Feel the Color with Picture Controls The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user. Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting. Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:
  • Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
  • Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW8, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
  • N-Log9 tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
  • Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
  • Hi-Res Zoom10 uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
  • Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
  • Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
  • The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.
Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
  • Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
  • Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting11 to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software).
Adobe Creative Cloud Promotion For a limited time, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get 1 year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage. For more information and terms of this promotion, please visit www.nikonusa.com. Price and Availability The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1699.95* for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95* SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95* SRP. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com About Nikon  Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.
Connect with Nikon on Facebook YouTube Instagram Threads , and TikTok. Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. 1. Based on Nikon research as of April 3rd, 2025.
2. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. The measurement values are based on the following testing conditions: Subject brightness of 10 EV; in photo mode using aperture-priority auto (A), single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at 70-mm focal length with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
3. Max framerate of 14 fps in mechanical shutter mode is JPEG only. C15 and C30 are JPEG only, electronic shutter modes. Rolling shutter distortion may occur depending on the type of subject and shooting conditions.
4. Available only with JPEG recording.
5. In photo mode using single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at ISO 100 equivalent and a temperature of 20°C/68°F with an f/1.2 lens.
6. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll compensation performance when using the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (telephoto end, NORMAL)
7. Only in photo mode with NIKKOR Z lenses not equipped with VR. Does not function when multiple focus points are displayed.
8. When a frame size and rate of [[FX] 4032×2268 30p], [[FX] 4032×2268 25p], [[FX] 4032×2268 24p], [[DX] 3984×2240 30p], [[DX] 3984×2240 25p], or [[DX] 3984×2240 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. Picture quality is equivalent to that of a video quality setting of [Normal]. Use of Video Speed Class 90 (V90) SD memory cards is recommended.
9. When [H.265 10-bit (MOV)] or [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu.
10. Hi-Res Zoom is available when all the following conditions are met:- [FX] is selected for [Image area] > [Choose image area] in the video recording menu, [H.265 10-bit (MOV)], [H.265 8-bit (MOV)], or [H.264 8-bit (MP4)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu, and – a frame size and rate of [1920×1080; 30p], [1920×1080; 25p], or [1920×1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu.
11. Both the subject and the camera must be still. RAW images shot with the pixel shift shooting feature must be combined using NX Studio.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. SOURCE Nikon Inc.

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Entertainment

Lifestyle Icon Martha Stewart Confirmed As Vivid Sydney 2025’s Global Storyteller

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SYDNEYApril 3, 2025 /CNW/ — The world’s original global influencer, long before the term existed, Martha Stewart, is set to join Vivid Sydney for an exclusive, one off, In Conversation event. Martha will reflect on her extraordinary career, the evolution of her personal brand, and the changing face of food, design and home life. She’ll also share candid insights into her most memorable moments in popular culture—and what it really takes to stay relevant for over four decades.
Martha Stewart

Vivid Sydney 2025 in Conversation with Martha Stewart. Image credit – Destination NSW

“I have made some wonderful memories traveling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career”, says Martha Stewart. “I’m always looking for inspiration when I travel so I’m excited to see what Sydney has to offer.” In Conversation with Martha Stewart will take place at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, 28 May. The first self-made female billionaire, Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award® winning television host, and best-selling writer of 101 books. The go to source for homemaking and culinary inspiration around the world, Martha didn’t just live the American Dream – she defined it. From her first book, Entertaining, published in 1982, Martha Stewart has remained a household name.  Never far from pop culture’s pulse, she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2023 and, last year, was the subject of Netflix’s watercooler documentary Martha. Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini says, “Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable, and one-of-a-kind events to visitors. It’s incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year’s theme of Dream more than Martha Stewart.” Martha Stewart is the latest in Vivid Sydney’s Global Storyteller series, designed to bring together the world’s brightest minds and creative leaders to provide new forms of creative exchange and interactive engagement. Previous speakers include, pop culture sensations Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, comedic visionary Amy Poehler, local superstar Troye Sivan, and Hollywood trailblazers Baz Luhrmann and Spike Lee. Vivid Sydney will be held from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June. Tickets to In Conversation with Martha Stewart are on sale Friday, 4 April at 9.00am AEDT at vividsydney.com. SOURCE Destination NSW

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