Each year, during Christmas i am searching for movies and series to watch that have that holiday vibe, or Christmas spirit if you want. The vast majority of these movies are below average and it's sad because during the 90s many great movies came out during that period that even now are a must-watch.
I came across Youtube a trailer of a movie called Violent Night and not only did the movie seem awesome but the people behind it along with the cast were freaking awesome. Just to give you a hint, David Harbour is the protagonist and he is portraying freaking Santa Claus!
Anyway, let's just cut to the chase and start with the plot of the movie. I will try not to make any huge spoilers just for the sake of your entertainment when you watch, so thank me later. By the way, the movie is considered an action thriller.
So it's Christmas and Santa Claus has to deliver all the presents to the good kids and charcoal to the bad ones. At the same time, Jason along with his divorce wife Linda and their daughter Trudy are visiting Jason's super-rich mother in her fortress-like home.
Meanwhile, Santa Claus is drinking in a bar sick and tired of the new generation of kids along with his work. He is thinking of giving up on his role as Santa Claus, especially after every kid is asking for pc games and PlayStation. After drinking and throwing up he is heading to homes around the globe to give some gifts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a53e4HHnx\_s
Back to the house, a special mission is taking place. A Special mission from a group of mercenaries led by Scrooge (John Leguizamo) in order to find the hidden vault of Gertrude, Jason's mom that is supposed to contain millions of dollars. That also includes that Scrooge's team will literally kill anyone that isn't part of that family and by that i mean the private security of Gertrude.
One thing that nobody will expect is that during this time, Santa visits the house to place some gifts under the tree but he gets a face-to-face meeting with a mercenary. Out of nowhere, an intense fight scene begins with Santa emerging victorious and deciding to save the family.
What I Liked and What I Didn't
Honestly, i pretty much enjoyed everything that this movie had to offer. The performances are excellent across the board, with the lead actors delivering particularly strong and convincing performances. The film's direction and cinematography are top-notch, making for a visually striking and atmospheric experience.
The movie does not shy away from its disturbing subject matter, and it is not for the faint of heart. The violence and gore are graphic and intense, and it will not be to everyone's taste but it is mine. Also don't expect every question you have to be answered, some things don't make sense but everyone including Santa knows and literally says it himself.
Overall, it's a great Christmas movie with tons of action, fight scenes and fun moments and i hope it had a second and third one to create somewhat of a universe around it. I would rate it 8/10.