Krampus

MjeteconerJust perfect...

SexyloutakAbsolutely the worst movie.

GlimmerubroIt is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

FirstWitchA movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

kevinxirauThroughout this Christmas season, I've wanted to see a horror film from 2015 called "Krampus", directed by Michael Dougherty ("Trick 'r Treat"), and now I finally watched it. Having heard of the praise this movie got, I was interested as to why. Needless to say, I got my answer. For those who don't know, Krampus is from the actual Santa Claus folklore: while Santa rewards those who have been good, Krampus punishes those who have not. It was made in the style of classic 80s horror such as "Poltergeist" and "Gremlins", complete with some of the most impressive practical effects I've seen in a while (hardly any CGI was used), while also subverting some of the usual trappings of that era, which I commend. Plot: All little Max wanted was to celebrate Christmas with his family like they used to, but most of the folks have become increasingly dysfunctional to the point where it's unbearable. Disillusioned, he turns his back on the holiday, which summons the nefarious Krampus and his minions to their doorstep. Now, they struggle to survive this not-so-jolly onslaught while also learning what it truly means to be a family. While I personally wasn't scared, there are plenty of things in "Krampus" that were effectively disturbing with mild comedy. The titular antagonist is a truly fantastical nightmare, sporting a beautifully twisted design and unnerving presence, a perfect antithesis of ol' St. Nick. The little minions are both varied and creepy in each of their own ways, taking all the things we typically associate with the holiday and turning them upside down. The atmosphere and environment offer the appropriate chilling (pun intended) feeling of isolation this kind of story warrants. Surprisingly, I found myself emotionally invested in most of the family. You see how they've fallen apart yet you get shreds of who they used to be and want to see that side of them brought to the forefront. It's kind of like "Christmas Vacation" and "Home Alone" in that respect. The most pure, and personally interesting, of them are Max and his grandmother Omi. As of yet, I can hardly think of anything major to criticize with this film. It's definitely earned its place in the world of cinema and the director is already making it big (currently directing "Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters"). If you want something refreshing to see next Christmas, then I'd say give "Krampus" a try.

jerralagbayaniMovies like this need to be more around as the future progresses and with remakes upon remakes maybe one day people will treasure this film more than they treasure, let's say It. Basically after a kid proclaims he wishes there was no Christmas he throws his Christmas List into the cold winter sky, embracing a storm. After a series of events they realize a figure from mythology, Krampus, comes to haunt them, showing the terror of Santa's twin's wrath on camera. This film should really be a cult classic and should be as well known as Jeepers Creepers or maybe even Insidious. What brought me down was somewhat of a lack of action with occasional jokes every now and then and maybe a momentary jump scare that isn't surprising. What I did like was it's feeling in holidays and how it kept that feeling throughout.

Leofwine_dracaKRAMPUS is a high-spirited Christmas horror tale that's a lot more fun than most Christmas-themed horrors which seem to go down the predictable 'killer Santa Claus' route. This one has some of the style and verve of the fine Halloween anthology TRICK 'R TREAT, and, although not as good as that movie, it tends to be better than average overall. The small-scale story is a little like POLTERGEIST and GREMLINS and involves a festive family gathering which is invaded by a series of crazy monsters brought to life by the spirit of German folklore. The family members end up getting munched and attacked by sentient toys and Christmas decorations, and if it's all a little safe and PG-13, there's enough high-spirited mayhem and decent FX work to let you forget the simplicity and occasional silliness of the story.

TimIf the Brothers Grimm & Dr. Seuss wrote the story of Krampus we'd get this movie.Black comedies are hard to pull off, add Christmas expectations and it's a recipe for disaster in the wrong hands. Luckily, Krampus (with tongue planted firmly in cheek) pulls it off. From the slow-mo opening of the horrors of holiday shopping to the twist at the end. The play on Christmas traditional expectations are on full display. What Daugherty did for Halloween he has now done for Christmas, and gives us a movie that, like its near cousin, descends into the wilderness of visual and dark comedic excess in order to deliver its players to a moral that, somehow, manages to be universal and thoughtful. The methods at which he goes to make the point will be at odds with what you anticipate when going to a movie about the good old holidays, but that's precisely what makes it so distinctive.Many will perhaps find the tone unsettling and imbalanced for the nature of this premise, but "Krampus" is much smarter than it lets on This is everything that a holiday fable should be: brooding, cautious, dark, humorous and thoughtful.