DVD Review: Christmas Evil
Christmas Evil (1980)
Studio: Synapse Films
DVD Release Date:
Directed By: Lewis Jackson
Cast: Brandon Maggert, Jeffrey Demunn, Dianne Hull
Brutal As Hell Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 stars
Review By: Marc Patterson
Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggert) loves Christmas. You might even say he loves it a bit too much. His house is a virtual shrine to Kris Kringle, and he keeps close tabs on all the neighborhood children. Whoa. Creepy. His obsession with ol’ Father Christmas began when as a wee lad he witnessed the most horrid of Christmas Eve atrocities. Sweet Papa Noel was down in the living room kissing Mama, but worse he was kissing her at her south pole! Okay, maybe “pole” was the wrong word to use, but you get my drift. Let’s just say Santa was interested in eating something else besides the cookies. Distraught, young Harry takes to the attic and smashes a prized Christmas globe.
We cut years into the future to find Harry a full grown man. He works as a manager in a factory that makes toys. Go figure. In a very blue collar factory town kind of way he is Santa. He doesn’t just keep tabs on the neighborhood children, he actually keeps books, writing down who’s been naughty and nice. Of course with all good intent, though again… creepy. As more and more folks begin to attack Harry for his idealistic Christmas beliefs, Harry descends into a darker place, eventually fully transforming himself into his idolized fantasy of Santa. Worse, he’s intent on making sure everyone gets the gifts they deserve and for some, that means a heinous death!
Christmas Evil, originally known as “You Better Watch Out” is hands down one of my favorite Christmas horror films. Though light on the splatter factor it’s a wonderful black comedy where the villain is truly the hero. Director Lewis Jackson fantastically molds Harry, allowing his character room to evolve, and grow. He’s not your typical ready-made monster. Five minutes in the easy bake and then done! No, Harry transforms slowly throughout the film. Sure, he’s got a few screws loose, but you can’t blame him as he’s constantly confronted by family, friends, and co-workers who look down at him as a failure, and use him for their own gain. Harry methodically takes easy steps towards the darkness in a quest for idealism. He doesn’t strike others down because he’s evil, but because they are evil. You might say that Harry methodically moves towards a better place, right up until that unforgettable moment at the end where his “Sleigh” takes flight. Though campy, it’s a beautiful moment that finalizes the film in a way more perfect than any other.
True to style Synapse has packed this DVD full of extras. The big feature is the two commentary tracks, one with just Lewis Jackson, and the other with Lewis Jackson and John Waters, which shouldn’t be missed! In addition to which you can check out the original storyboard sequences, comment cards, and audition tapes.
Christmas Evil is a holiday film no self respecting horror fan should be without. It’s certainly less horror and more of an extremely twisted, yet heartwarming, Christmas tale and should be a reminder to all to never lose that Christmas spirit and to not become a cynical and selfish jerk, because if you do then you better watch out!
