AVClub: Anthology films are known for being inconsistent, and after the wild mood swings of recent horror anthologies like the V/H/S and ABCs Of Death movies, it’s a relief to report that despite consisting of 10 segments directed by 11 people, Tales Of Halloween is remarkably cohesive. Part of this can be attributed to the film’s production style, where directors shot segments back-to-back on the same suburban street using many of the same extras and crew. Another part can be attributed to Adrienne Barbeau, who revisits her role as a radio DJ from 1980’s The Fog and whose commentary between segments forms the skeleton of the film.
TRR: An anthology film in the vein of movies like Creepshow, Tales from the Darkside and Trick 'r Treat, Tales of Halloween is more playful than it is terrifying. Still, horror fans are sure to get a kick out of the movie's campy creature effects, not to mention its buckets of gore and the laundry list of cameos from a veritable who's who of the genre.
TRR: From Creepshow and Tales from the Darkside to Trick 'r Treat and The ABCs of Death, anthology films have long held a special place in the hearts of horror fans. Well now there's a new horror anthology to add to your annual Halloween marathon viewing lists: the aptly named Tales of Halloween. Set over the course of one particularly eventful Halloween night, the movie brings together eleven directors (among them, The Woman's Lucky McKee, Saw II's Darren Lynn Bousman and The Descent's Neil Marshall) to shepherd viewers through ten loosely-interconnected tales of blood, guts and dismemberment. But unlike movies like V/H/S (and its sequel), the overall tone of the piece is more playful than it is terrifying, with a macabre sense of twisted humor taking precedence over genuine frights. Nonetheless, horror fans are sure to get a kick out of the movie's campy creature effects, not to mention its buckets of gore and the laundry list of cameos from a veritable who's who of the genre. As for the shorts themselves, "it has something for everyone" is a phrase that's often overused; but in the case of Tales of Halloween, it really is quite apropos.
We Got This Covered
Tales Of Halloween is the latest contender to challenge Trick ‘r Treat‘s beloved status as “Numero Uno Halloween Horror Anthology,” and it’s an admirable effort at that. Opting for ten shorter stories from eleven different filmmakers, Tales Of Halloween plays like an old-fashioned radio show that would have been aired on October 31st for those souls who dare not adventure outside. This means each short only runs about ten minutes, calling back to The ABCs Of Death’s more challenging, rapid-fire structure. There are clear winners among these haunted efforts, but the likes of Darren Lynn Bousman, Neil Marshall, Mike Mendez, Lucky McKee, and other indie favorites ensure that their “October Society” rings in Halloween with ample thrills, gore, and good-natured laughs.
