Dog’s Movie House: “Violent Night” Destined To Become A Cult Holiday Classic!”

“Violent Night” tells the tale of a very burned out Santa Claus (an pitch perfect David Harbour) who at this point in his holiday career has just about had enough of everything modern Christmas has to offer. He hates the entitled kids, the requests for money or video games or both and the general lack of holiday cheer. Things change when the obscenly rich Lightstone family led by harridan matriarch Gertrude Lightstone (a deliciously profane Beverly D’Angelo) is besieged by an armed party of criminals intent on stealing 300 million dollars is cash from the Lightstone vault. Caught up in this violent event is young Trudy Lightstone (Leah Brady), a precious little girl who still believes in Santa. The thieves attack coincides with Santa’s visit and he finds himself drawing on his ancient experience as a warrior to repel the attackers and save Trudy and her family.

Again, like most plot synopses, my little overview doesn’t really do the story of “Violent Night” justice. While the film is funny in parts, the writers have crafted a fairly serious action scenario upon which they build their absurd film. The thieves, led by an intense John Leguizamo, are a violent punch, not afraid to kill, maim, and torture (you’ll never look at a nutcracker the same way again, that’s for sure) and the action scenes are kind of like a holiday themed “John Wick” with Santa improvising all sorts of holiday-themed weaponry.

The humor comes from Harbour’s curmudgeonly Santa and the outrageous situations in which he finds himself. You find out that he wasn’t always Santa Claus and his past was quite a violent one, which subtly explains why he has both a violent streak and the skills to wield a warhammer with incredible energy. Such details give “Violent Night” a poignant streak that strengthens the story contained in the obvious absurity of the narrative. And, let’s face it, seeing Santa kick some serious ass never grows old.

Harbour is the standout here, as expected. He gives his Santa and “Bad Santa” vibe without overplaying it and his relationship with the equally talented Brady as Trudy gives the film an unexpected jolt of emotion. Leguizamo is perfectly menacing as the thieves leader (he goes by the name of Scrooge) and he’s a good foil for Santa. D’Angelo is also having a ball here as the vulgar and tough Gertrude Lightstone, playing her suckup childeren against each other. That the entire family is flawed and fractious other than Trudy makes their unpleasant experience at the hands of the criminals part of the fun.

Wirkola, a talented director who’s subject matter is known for its fantasy elements, directs “Violent Nights” with verve and vigor, staging creative kill and fight scenes that are both intricate and brutal. Things really pick up when Santa finds his weapon of choice in a tool shed. “Violent Night” is all the title promises and more. It’s funny, action packed, gory, and actually has a heart. I predict it will become essential Christmas viewing for years to come. 4 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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