Review: Krampus
DVD: Krampus (2015)
Christmas is such a great time for films. Over the years we have been treated to some absolute classics, from It’s A Wonderful Life to Scrooged and Elf. There are some alternatives however to the jolly family fun; Die Hard and Lethal Weapon are considered Christmas classics as well as horror films like Black Christmas and the incredible Gremlins. This year a new essential Christmas film was added to the cannon and Krampus is now in my all time Christmas Top 10 and I’ll tell you why.
Film maker Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat) has crafted an old school comedy/horror that just so happens to mix the best elements of seasonal favourites like Home Alone and the whip-smart spookiness of 80’s horror fare like House.
Comedy actor Adam Scott (Step Brothers) and Toni Collette (Muriel’s Wedding) play married couple Tom & Sarah Engel, who along with their two children Beth and Max, are reluctantly welcoming some family for the festive period. The redneck styling’s of fellow comedy staple David Koechner (Anchorman) and his family of wannabe survivalists descend on the house and cause young Max enough distress that he rips up his letter to Santa and wishes his family away with grave consequences.
Max has now accidentally summoned the anti-Santa known as Krampus who brings a killer army of elves, a cannibalistic jack in the box and a team of psychotic gingerbread men! The film has some real heart with Adam Scott breaking the shackles of his usual comedy git to play a real leading man part. Koechner is typically fun as the NRA card holding brother-in-law and the kids are just fine too.
There is no fat on this film whatsoever, it zips along, and bouncing from ridiculous toy related horror to some genuine spooky moments. Very, very enjoyable.
Imagine Tim Burton and Joe Dante collaborating on a Christmas film and you have Krampus.
As funny as it is spooky, old school scares and really good performances all around left me warm and satisfied throughout. Go see this sleeper before its melts away like December snow.
Review by Ramrod (co-host of 60 Minutes With)
