As a longtime fan of Ozzy Osbourne, I can inform you I used to be shocked and saddened by the rock musician’s passing at 76 years previous on July 22, 2025. Not solely has the world misplaced one of the influential icons within the historical past of heavy steel, but additionally a reasonably first rate actor, as the previous Black Sabbath frontman made many enjoyable and memorable cameos, largely as himself, in films and TV all through the years, reminiscent of Little Nicky and Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Nevertheless, to honor considered one of my private favourite rock stars, I wish to discuss concerning the film that noticed the start of Ozzy Osbourne’s performing profession again in 1986. It’s a excellent match for the Prince of Darkness, as an epic mixture of rock ‘n roll heaven with hellish cinematic thrills, and, when you ask me, it is without doubt one of the greatest horror films you seemingly have by no means seen, except you contemplate your self a faithful follower of the darkish. The movie in query known as Trick or Deal with.
To not be confused with the 2007 anthology horror flick, Trick ‘r Deal with, Trick or Deal with comes from first-time director Charles Martin Smith ( American Graffiti’s Terry the Toad”) and stars Marc Value as Eddie “Ragman” Weinbauer, a teen heavy meatal obsessive devastated by the current passing of his favourite artist, Sammi Curr (Tony Fields). Nevertheless, after receiving a duplicate of the unreleased demo of the rocker’s ultimate album, Eddie discovers that he can use it to boost Sammi from the lifeless by enjoying it backwards — a call he quickly involves remorse after discovering the rock star’s spirit has sinister intentions.
This can be a largely forgotten ‘80s film I had heard about, however by no means had the urge to take a look at till after Ozzy’s passing, figuring out he was in it. I truthfully want I had given it an opportunity sooner. With a passionate admiration for the music and its surrounding tradition, a devilishly irresistible however genuinely creepy efficiency by Fields, and a headbanging soundtrack I’m at present listening to on repeat, Trick or Deal with is, whereas not the scariest movie I’ve seen, an absolute blast from starting to finish. Going down in October, it’s also a beautiful addition to your conventional Halloween film line-up, however may be loved any time of yr, particularly by followers of artists like Ozzy Osbourne. Talking of…
You will By no means Guess Who Ozzy Osbourne Performs
Trick or Deal with exhibits a whole lot of love for Ozzy Osbourne early on within the movie, with a short shot of his poster on Eddie’s wall throughout the opening credit and a clip of Sammi Curr biting the pinnacle off a snake onstage, much like when the artist did the identical factor with a bat, which he instructed David Letterman he assumed was not actual on the time. Nevertheless, the official, particular look he makes later within the movie is definitely a far cry from his wild repute on the time.
Osbourne exhibits up on a night discuss present, showing on Eddie’s TV within the hilariously ironic position of an evangelist and staunch protestor of heavy steel named Rev. Aaron Gilstrom. I need to say, I used to be fairly impressed with the rock star’s efficiency right here, and never simply because it was his first performing gig. It’s really surreal to listen to the Prince of Darkness communicate with such adamant vitriol towards the style of music he pioneered, however he actually sells it within the position.
The Film Additionally Stars One other Rock Legend
Ozzy Osbourne isn’t the one skilled musician featured within the film. Trick or Deal with additionally stars fellow heavy steel icon (and one-time actuality TV present star) Gene Simmons, the bass participant and co-lead vocalist of Kiss, who offers a surprisingly good efficiency, as nicely.
“The Demon’s” position as Nuke can also be about as temporary as Osbourne’s, however is pivotal to the story. He’s an area radio character and good friend of Eddie’s who is definitely the one to provide the teenager the cursed report that results in his unusual troubles. Nuke even plans to play the album on Halloween night time, per Sammi’s request, which Eddie in the end realizes is a part of the rock star’s malevolent plans, harking back to one other underrated ‘80s horror flick, Halloween III: Season of the Witch.
As I established, I believe anytime is an effective time for a horror fan to stream Trick or Deal with with a ScreamBox add-on on Amazon Prime. Nevertheless, to find or revisit this killer gem now as a tribute to the late, nice Ozzy Osbourne makes it a very special day.