Season's Greetings

'Season's Greetings (1996)' is a short horror animation in which a young boy wanders around a desolate town on Halloween in search of candy. The film is the inspiration for Michael Dougherty's later 'Trick 'R Treat (2007)', specifically when it comes to that movie's burlap-wearing mascot. Sam, albeit in an earlier incarnation, appears in this piece and acts as its protagonist. His visual design is remarkably similar to that of his eventual live-action version, which signifies its overall effectiveness. This short doesn't depict him as you'd expect if you've already seen his later appearance, which throws you off guard and allows the final reveal to be far more blindsiding than it really ought to be. Though the animation is, at times, a tad rudimentary and the overall affair is somewhat basic, it's generally atmospheric and does a good job of drawing you into its narrative. It's generally enjoyable and balances its tone well. 6/10.

Dougherty introduces the adorable but not-to-be-messed-with Sam in this little feature short. Twelve years later Sam will get his own feature film title 'Trick 'R Treat'. The story here is in support of the Halloween spirit and little Sam is out to collect candies when he encounters unexpected things. The animation is done by Dougherty himself and it is all beautifully hand drawn and coloured. This gives an authentic and nostalgic feel. Even though there is no dialogue, it's a story well told with a funny surprise in the end. Overall, it's a satisfying short movie that introduces Dougherty's potential. He might have a bright future as a filmmaker. He's already proved that with the spin off 'Trick 'R Treat'.

Season's Greetings (1996)

*** (out of 4)

A decade before making TRICK 'R TREAT, writer-director Michael Dougherty made this four minute animated short that introduced the world to the Sam character. This film is pretty simple on plot as we see Sam getting his candy bag stolen and the aftermath. SEASON'S GREETINGS isn't the greatest thing around but there's no question that it's a nice little gem and it's really too bad, like the feature, that we don't have more of these. There are so many "fun" things centered around Halloween that it's really too bad we didn't get to see more cases played out like the one here. Having your candy bag stolen on Halloween is something most people have done, had done to them or at least have heard about so that adds to the entertainment factor here. The animation is quite nice and this is certainly an entertaining way to be introduced to the Sam character.