Christmas Film Marathon (25-12-2024): Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022), Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) and Silent Night, Deadly Night 2 (1987)

Christmas Bloody Christmas

It's safe to say that Christmas Bloody Christmas borrows a lot from other (famous) films, without really understanding why those films were popular. 

For example, in the first twenty minutes or so. A pair of characters are engaged in a dialogue that only ends after a tragedy occurs. I, for one, was very grateful when it happened. Up until this moment the two were yelling, screaming and being obnoxious. I guess they pretended to be friends having a passionate discussion about music and other stuff. And I wouldn't have had a problem with it if it seemed natural. But that wasn't the case. It certainly doesn't help that the lead is unlikeable. Actually, most of the cast are. I know we are supposed to root for her, yet I simply couldn't do so. I wanted the evil robot Santa to succeed. It's clear to me that writer / director Joe Begos thought he could equal Quentin Tarantino with wit and intelligence. As much as it pains me to say, Begos, doesn't even come close. 

Then Begos thinks he can outdo James Cameron where the evil robot Santa keeps returning and returning. And yes the principle of an unstoppable machine is scary if done right. James Cameron took his time and had built up proper suspense so that you never quite knew what was going to happen. In this film, it's obvious throughout that the evil robot Santa will be back. Begos, doesn't even try to make it seem the robot is put down forever. The consequence us that you simply know it isn't over yet and after a while that became tedious.

I read that instead of proper lighting, they made use of Christmas lights instead. Seems like a cool idea, except it didn't work for me. This is coming from someone who loves Christmas lights and neon. It's too dark and blurry at times. It annoyed the hell out of me. Some reviewer credited the artistic style of Begos to master Dario Argento. Say what you want about that man, visually, and stylistically, he is one of a kind. To even dare to compare him to a hack like Begos is downright insulting.

Overall, not worth your time.

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Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

A young boy gets heavily traumatized after his parents get brutally murdered by an evil man dressed as Santa Claus. 

When we first get introduced to him after the tragedy, he seems to be doing fine. Relatively speaking. He still has flashbacks and has a strong negative reaction towards Santa Claus. Yet, mother superior of the orphanage knows better and feels like she can get this trauma out of him by beating him and some psychological torture. Of course, this will have some consequences for the boy, named, Billy.

At 18, Billy, is built like a Greek God who seems to be immensely innocent. Until he is forced to become Santa Claus in the store where he works. It's here where Billy decides who is good and who is naughty. Thankfully for us, this is where events become super fun. 

Overall, a very entertaining viewing experience, especially if you like slasher films.

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Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987)

Somehow I was under the impression that this sequel would be a continuation of the original. Writer / director Lee Harry had other ideas.

This part consists of many flashback scenes of the original and some new footage. Unfortunately, not even close to the quality of the original. The little brother of Billy in his turn is traumatized by the death of Billy and had made him talk and act with his eyebrows. I am aware that the actor is trying to convey some sense of intensity and rage, but it never comes out as such. For the most part, it's comical. And that can be said of the rest of the film. I wished I could say that this is so bad that it becomes good. There are some funny and entertaining moments, but with a shorter duration than the original I found myself bored. 

It's therefore very surprising that the franchise consists of three extra sequels and one remake. Stay clear from this!

 

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Christmas Film Marathon (24-12-2024): Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993), Wallace and Gromit in: A Close Shave (1995), Red One (2024), That Christmas (2024) and This Is Not a Christmas Movie a.k.a. Dit is geen kerstfilm (2024)

Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993)

Mrs. P never had seen The Wrong Trousers, so I was compelled to put in my compilation Blu-ray disc of Wallace and Gromit and play it for her. As she is a huge fan of stop-motion and good stories, it's safe to say she loved it. Do I really need to point out that this is a classic?

Wallace and Gromit in: A Close Shave (1995)

The short that introduced Shaun the Sheep who has traits similar to one of the greatest dogs in cinema history, Gromit Shaun is instantly likeable even if he gives into his inner sheep ness to the maximum.

Also, a classic!

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Red One(2024)

For some reason, Red One is met with a lot of hate. I think most of that has to do with the preconceptions about The Rock and the films he made before. But while for the most part he plays the same role, he does tone it down a bit in favour of the feel good message.

And I think this is what a lot of haters and critics are missing. From my point of view, this is a Christmas film through and through that never gets boring. It's filled with action, spectacle and more importantly, heart. Something a lot of recent films have been missing. I actually cared about the characters. It's not like they had big arcs. However, they were surprisingly relatable. A lot is said how events are supposedly rehashed and predictable. Sure, but at this point in time to think you can do something completely new and different is absurd. Also, I like my |Christmas films to emote with me. And that is exactly what Red One does. I even have to commend them for not going the melodrama route where almost every scene would make you cry. Red One keeps that contained and therefore makes those moments effective.

Overall, Red One is a great Christmas film that could become a classic once people stick their heads out of their butts.

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That Christmas (2024)

That Christmas comes out of nowhere and slaps you right in the face with some observations about parenthood and how people celebrate Christmas.

Too many people focus on the wrong things until it's too late. Here, some issues get addressed without being too preachy. But make no mistake, there is a message in this film that matters to us all. Don't get bogged down by some of the kids who view Christmas differently. I promise there is a point to that and will make you appreciate them. I liked how a couple of characters were more than what was shown on the surface. Like the teacher who seems to be relentless and strict, while she might have had the biggest heart of them all.

The film is animated superbly. So much so, that I really was forgetting that it was animated. I was just watching a Christmas movie with all the bells and whistles that belong in one. Overall, That Christmas also has a real potential to become a classic. In my book it is already, but only time can tell.

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This Is Not a Christmas Movie a.k.a. Dit is geen kerstfilm (2024)

After returning to my watch list of Christmas films, I realized that they were mostly horror oriented. They wouldn't really match with the vibe of the previous films, so on a whim, I decided to check out some films on Amazon. The first one that popped up was a Dutch film called, Dit is geen kerstfilm (2024). I took a chance, and I was surprised.

If you know anything about Dutch films, there is a certain attitude in them which has been part of Dutch cinema as long as I can remember. Especially concerning sex and relationships. This film doubles down on current trends like wokism to teach us something. It's being woke to address the positives and the absurdity of it. So in a way it is pointing out what it should be really about. Now, granted, like most, if you are confronted with this, I was annoyed a bit. However, I realized what it was going for. Like with most Dutch comedies, it goes over the top quite quickly yet manages to get the message out effectively. And that is a big plus in my book.

Some events certainly are crude and ridiculous. Unfortunately, that is something you will have to contend with when watching Dutch films. This definitely won't be for all, but if you stick with it, you will have a nice viewing experience. I do have to point out that this film saved the best for last. The ending is incredibly hilarious. 

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Review It's What's Inside (2024): Laughable!

genre: dark comedy, science-fiction, thriller, mystery

It's What's Inside is a low budget high concept film. It has an interesting premise but like with many of such films, the execution is flawed at best. 

I wasn't familiar with the cast, and normally that helps in favour of the high concept. In this case, though, it only adds to the confusion. You barely get to know them, but the audience is expected to be familiar with them. Then when events start kicking in, it's extremely hard to follow what is going on. I get that some of that is the idea and adds to the tension. Or at least, I understand that the goal is to increase tension and suspense. I was willing to follow the concept. However, due to the stupidity of the characters, I found that hard to do. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should do them. It's basically the same as the concept of The Purge. Just because you are allowed to commit crimes, doesn't mean you have to do so. Here the characters are given opportunities due to a miraculous device. Instead of keeping things civil and friendly, some of the characters explore and engage into interactions that are blatantly sinful, with devastating effects. 

Perhaps I am too old for teen shenanigans. But I can't be bothered by romantic interludes of teens, especially ones who are incredibly irresponsible. I get that for the young ones themselves, the drama is unbearable. For me, it was laughable. 

I don't know. This film only scratches the surface and failed to engage me properly. Only at the end there was somewhat of a nice surprise. Yet, it was far too late for a real thrilling viewing experience.

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Review The Faculty (1998): One I can recommend!

genre: horror, mystery, science fiction

One of the rare titles I have only seen twice at most. So I decided it was time to watch it a third time. It's been a while and I very fortunately, I had forgotten the essential parts of the film. It was like I was watching this for the first time.

And it has to be said, it was a very pleasant and fun viewing experience. Even the big twist I had forgotten about and it was great. The Faculty has quite a few big names that make an appearance. Elijah Wood, Josh Hartnett, Robert Patrick, Jon Stewart,Famke Janssen and more. They do elevate the spin on Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It's like The Breakfast Club meets The Thing. The Faculty is not a comedy by any means. It certainly shouldn't be taken very seriously, but for the most part events are played out in a very serious manner. Despite this, there is a lack of dread. Invasion films usually rely on that, and very wisely so, since that is the most terrifying part. Although there is a lot of suspense considering The Queen and whether the main characters can be trusted or not. As it turns out, that is all you need. Robert Rodriguez definitely understands staying to the point and move events along. There isn't a single second wasted. One scene, for example, is very reminiscent of a pivotal scene in The Thing. Contrary to that scene, the terror is not felt. I was compelled to find out who the impostor was, but it lacked the dread and intensity that The Thing has throughout. Perhaps it is unfair to compare. Then again, if you are going to copy elements from a classic, you better make sure you put in something original and creative. In that regard, The Faculty could have done better. Still, there is an energy to this flick one can't deny.

Overall, The Faculty, still holds up. It mixes up early CGI with practical effects to maximum effect. But it does point out that practical effects look better than CGI. Another example where they should have just stuck to practical effects. Anyway, one I can recommend!

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Horror night: Midsommar (2019), History of Evil (2024) and Macabre (2009)

Midsommar (2019)

Hereditary is a title I had mixed feelings about. I think I feel more positive about it. So naturally, I wanted to check out Midsommar. Since a lot of people were saying how it was a poor man's Wicker Man, I hesitated somewhat since for me that isn't a good title by any means. Still, I decided to give it a shot and for the most part I found it to be better than The Wicker Man except for the way it ends.

Let's start with Dani (Florence Pugh). She is a little unstable and therefore unlikeable.  Her boyfriend and his friend seem nice at first glance but they are also rather problematic especially when they are at the Midsommar fest. Things are happening there no normal human being would accept or tolerate. Yet, these characters at most feel uncomfortable. Dani has the most human reaction and regains sympathy to then lose it again because of her inaction. It's this inaction that will drive you mad. If bad things are happening towards you, aren't you going to do something about it? Or at least try to?

The ending is like I predicted it would be, but I had hope they would put some kind of twist on it, for me to love this film. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The film just ends with very little meaning and substance. For a film that is almost two and a half hours long, that is inexcusable.

Overall, it's not boring, but the film doesn't deliver on its own build-up.

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History of Evil (2024)

This title seemed to have a very interesting premise. It could have worked quite nicely. But right from the start, the film feels immensely cheap. Even the acting. It's not that bad, but they surely could have done a lot better. For whatever reason, the film is immensely slow and uneventful. Then when something happens, you aren't really bothered by it. I know it was the intention for you to be scared or terrified, but you won't since it feels like amateur hour 101. At one point I looked at the clock to find out only 40 minutes had passed and nothing of significance had happened. I did what I normally don't do. I immediately stopped watching with the intention to never do so. Usually, I am very willing to give films like these a chance but since it did so little for me, I don't think it deserves my time. Avoid!

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Macabre (2009)

Macabre starts out real well. But at a certain point it loses itself. Don't get me wrong! I can appreciate violence and gore. Still, I need something more. Like for example a sinister motivation that would explain the events. Or like a twist that puts everything upside down.

The characters are likeable at first, but increasingly get more stupid. Some characters literally are standing still when they are about to get hurt. Sure, shock can make you immobile for a while, but at one point you will adapt. You will fall into a die or flight reaction. Also, the group of friends isn't exactly bright. If a random stranger approaches you and asks for a ride, would you do so? Especially since there were other means in the vicinity? I don't think so. But ok, some people are nice, I guess. Would you then stay over some stranger's house when offered? A house in the middle of nowhere? Think again. You know what? I changed my mind. These characters are aggravating. They should have known better.

The violence and gore does make up for a lot of elements that are missing. So for me, this title was worth it. But for people who are familiar with the more recent titles made by Kimo Stamboel will be disappointed.

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Review Vampires (1998): Not one I can recommend!

genre: action, horror

Usually, I can rewatch John Carpenter films without getting bored. Vampires is one of the few titles that at one point gets bogged down by slow pacing and lack of tension. 

It does redeem itself with some very cool moments and ideas. James Woods as the badass vampire hunter is awesome. And I liked how some of the lore was changed to make the vampires seem more dangerous. Like with many of his films, Carpenters has basically made a western with a supernatural twist where a few men have to go against the odds to keep their world safe. Only this time it's not full on exciting. The main plot is barely a story, but somehow there is a lot of focus on the side plot with Sheryl Lee that leads to nowhere. Nothing substantial is being done with her, so why did they even bother. I mean, yes, she is vital somehow to track down the master vampire but other than that she wasn't a threat and I think she was supposed to be. 

I have watched this film a couple of times and failed to review this simply because I couldn't remember the events that well. Let that sink in for a bit. Now I powered through so that I finally could be done with it. I can't believe they made two sequels to this. If only the action was better. Then at least the fun factor would remain. As it is, it simply doesn't. Not one I can recommend!

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Review The Terror Season 1 (2018)

genre: horror, mystery, drama

The Terror is a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic from 1845 to 1848. I don't know how much of this is true. But I think it gives a good idea of what it was like. Although, it did make me wonder why anyone would partake in such an adventure, since it obviously was incredibly foolish.

I went in blind and got sucked in the story pretty quickly. It's not said with many words, but most of the crew aren't really on board with the journey they are part of, especially since the chance of not making it was very probable. Getting stuck in the Antarctic, far from the living, is not a place I would want to be at. Especially since this world seems to be quite hostile to humans. I won't go into the details since discovery is half the fun. But let's say that apart from the practical challenges, it's hard to keep morale high. It helps that the entire cast do a good job of making everything seem real. The production values in large part also are excellent, except maybe in one case. But thinking about it, that might have been done deliberately.

What I really like about this show is that at one point it's clear what the real terror is. But more importantly, how little can be done against it, since it's very easy to get to it. I am being vague for a reason, since I don't want to spoil it for you. The show might be a little slow for some, it is pretty effective in creating tension and chills. Maybe not full on dread. Still, they do make it seem like anything could happen.

Therefore, I can really recommend this show. Atmosphere wise it can be compared to Chapelwaite. Although, The Terror is easily superior.

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Review Vampire's Kiss (1988): Nicolas Cage at his best!

genre: comedy, horror

The title suggests this being a horror film. That was the reason why I rented it! To my surprise, it was a comedy. The great thing is they play around with the vampire legend, and you will keep guessing if something supernatural is going to happen. 

So there is some suspense to be found. But this film is all about the performance of Nicolas Cage. He desperately tries to become a vampire because he is not really happy with his life. Once he is convinced that he is a vampire, the fun begins. Nicolas Cage manages to be funny and tragic at the same time. For me, I think he is even acting better in this than "Leaving Las Vegas"! Nicolas Cage has been around for a time and he is a good actor. Before the action orientated movies, he has been around in several comedies. And the comedies he starred in were always great. But not all of them show the full Cage in action. This one gives you all. The moderate Cage, the cool Cage, and the totally wacko Cage.

I like how the film keeps you in the dark of what is really going on. Cage's character could very well be a vampire. At the same time, he is absolutely bonkers. I think most people would agree that Cage's character is slowly descending into madness and is simply losing all sense of reality. 

It doesn't really matter. The film is carried by Cage and proof he should have won an Oscar long before.

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Review Smile 2: Overlong but makes it worth it in the end!

genre: mystery, horror

The original was a title that was full of promise horror wise, but didn't really deliver on that promise. But I was very aware that a sequel would be made. And here it is. While I dialled down my expectations, I still had hope that Smile 2 would be an improvement. 

For the most part, this is the case. However, and this is a pretty big one. The pacing is awful. A lot of happens in this sequel, but it takes far too long to get the point. After reading a short commentary of writer / director Parker Finn, it's clear to me that this is by design. Part of what he is trying to convey is the slow but deliberate torture a person goes through once they are infected by the Smile virus / demon. Skye Riley played by Naomi Scott is subjected to some true horrors. I do have to give Scott credit for some real good acting on her part. That being said, I think he would have achieved the same had the film been shorter. 90 minutes would have been enough, and actually provided more dread and tension. 

Still, I could not have foreseen the twist at the end. Granted, it's a little stupid and illogical. But complaining about logic in a horror full of supernatural elements is a waste of time, so I won't. As someone who sometimes truly loves the weird and bizarre, Smile 2 really takes it up a notch. Almost Lovecraftian. And that is huge. I know that Parker Finn is referring to another part of the twist, which to me, is not that compelling, but the Lovecraftian element (whether intentional or not) made it worth for me. 

Overall, an improvement on the original, but it will demand a lot of patience due to its slow pacing.

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Review Grave Torture a.k.a. Siksa Kubur (2024): A must-watch!

genre: horror, mystery

Director Joko Anwar does it again. After reading some reviews of his latest film being too pretentious and ambitious, I was afraid that he had lost his touch.

In my opinion, this is not the case. Sure, the film clearly has a message, although if you have seen his previous films, he actually is critical of certain aspects of religion. He, himself, is a practising Muslim who does seem to have a strong opinion of Islam, at least, that is how I have interpreted it. He is not condemning it, but he does let some of the characters ask some questions that might go against the people who blindly defend their religion. In some scenes he is subtle about it and in others it's pretty obvious what he was going for. In any case, the end result is an interesting and compelling take on conventional horror where the majority of the characters are riddled with contradictions on life and death. Especially the latter. 

Our main character, Sita, has suffered an enormous loss due to terrorist attack. Since this was done in the name of Allah, Sita has real problems with accepting the usual excuses given for why this has happened. I think anybody would. Especially, if she finds out that a prominent benefactor is abusing children (boys) but is getting away with it since he is being honoured by the religious leaders due to his contributions. His misdeeds are deliberately ignored, since in general he does good. Sita doesn't waste any second to save her brother from the abuse he is subjected to. When she and her brother flee, she is determined to put a stop to this kind of evil.

It's here where the film slowly descends into madness of the highest order. Almost surreal. I can understand that some people might think that Anwar is being too abstract and symbolic. But if you pay attention, there is a perfectly understandable answer for the events. It's in these parts where the horror goodness gets prominence. It does briefly lose focus, only to be corrected by giving Sita and the viewer some karmic justice. From start to finish, I was completely invested in the events, especially since both Sita and Adil deserved sympathy. Although, Adil squanders a lot of goodwill due to being too soft and weak.

Overall, a must-watch horror title!

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