The Halloween Tree Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: While trying to rescue the spirit of their friend, four children learn about the origin of Halloween.

Review: Based on a book by Ray Bradbury, "The Halloween Tree" is one of the most bizarre, holiday kids movies out there. I like that the story explores the history of Halloween's traditions through the lens of classic costumes, but the suspension of disbelief is a bit much for me. Sure, the story is a fantasy you must embrace from the perspective of a kid, but I saw this when it came out (in the early '90s) and I still feel that it is as nonsensical now as it was to me then. This isn't to say that the film is bad per se--you must simply accept things at face value with little explanation; likewise, the characters themselves do not question the events. Well...the film is unique that's for sure.

The story focuses on four young kids--dressed as a skeleton, monster, witch, and mummy--as they come to realize their best friend, Pip, may be dying one Halloween night. I thoroughly enjoy the sleepy, mid-Western town vibe going on and the fact that the kids don't even intend to trick or treat until dark. As I mention every Halloween, this country has become so pussified when it comes to the holiday it's depressing. Anyway, the kids believe they see Pip and chase after him. This pursuit leads them to a giant mansion with a massive...well...Halloween tree outside; essentially this is a tree covered with pumpkins hanging from the branches like they're apples. It is implied that each pumpkin represents someone who died that Halloween (or maybe all year if keeping with the "harvest" theme). Pip's spirit steals his pumpkin in defiance as if to prolong his life. At the same time, the tree is overseen by a Dracula/Grim Reaper hybrid named Moundshroud. Nothing about this character makes sense since he both helps the kids while also trying to secure Pip's apparent death. What...? Plus the kids are fighting against him one minute while bantering like friends the next.

For no explicable reason, Pip begins traveling through Halloween past like this is "A Christmas Carol" or something. Along with Moundshroud, the kids chase after on a kite made from animal parts. Yeah...okay. Conveniently enough, each point in time that Pip travels to corresponds to a costume one of the kids are wearing that helps to flesh out Halloween's traditions. In each era shenanigans ensue with no one the least bit shocked. If you're waiting for the "what the fucking is happening?!" line to be delivered, don't hold your breath. On the other hand, I liked this educational approach and the imagery is great at times. Eventually Moundshroud catches up with Pip--and will send him to hell probably--but the kids say they will trade years of their life for Pip to live longer. This sounds nice in theory but they each only offer up 1 year a piece. Oh gee, do you think you could spare it?! Plus, it's never clear if Pip will only live four years longer or whether Moundshroud was touched by the loyalty of friendship and gave up altogether on Pip; after all, the closing narration does make it sound like Pip lived happily ever after. Eh, you're guess is as good as mine. Regardless, I do appreciate the gesture of the friends and the sentiments of the story.

Overall, this is a pretty good movie all around, but it's hard for an adult to get into it when watching it solo. I imagine parents watching it with their kids would be the ideal situation. Granted, the movie is a little darker than very young kids would be able to tolerate, but a good age range should be 8-12ish unless you're raising your kids they way I was (not recommended!). The positives are the educational exploration of Halloween, its traditions, and why things are done the way they are. The friendship angle is handled decently, but they could have probably stepped up their game when trying to invoke an emotional response from the audience. But I did also like the style of the animation and general aesthetics. Unfortunately, it's hard to get yourself into the mental state where you accept random bullshit with no rhyme or reason like this is a dream coming to life. Then again...maybe that was the intention all along? Finally, this is a good alternative to the original "Halloween" if you aren't ready to see Michael Myers slicing and dicing his way through Haddonfield.

Notable Moment: When the kids ride on the giant kite seemingly made of various animal parts. I don't know why this is happening, but it was interesting to say the least.

Final Rating: 6/10