This is the seasonal horror opus that isnt Bloody Christmas, Christmas Evil, Christmas With The Dead, The Christmas Season Massacre, A Cadaver Christmas, Deadly Little Christmas, Dont Open Till Christmas, Bikini Blood Bath Christmas, One Hell Of A Christmas, The 13th Day Of Christmas, Santa Claws, Satan Claus, Santas Slay, Slayer Santa, Psycho Santa, Hates Haunted Slay Ride, Silent Night, Silent Night Bloody Night, Silent Night Deadly Night, Silent Night Zombie Night, Violent Night: The Movie, Tinsel or Jack Frost. There are no murdering mutant snowmen in this one and the villain doesnt make wisecracks or kill anyone while dressed as Santa but otherwise it offers pretty much what youd expect. Its supposedly a remake of Bob Clarks 1974 film, but the tone, pacing and intent are very different. Working with limited resources, Clark still pulled off a seminal, atmospheric movie, whose plot device of a killer calling from inside the house would be ripped off countless times in countless movies. The nicest thing you can say about this reboot is that the cast is comprised of great screamers.
Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'
