Krampus

                 

Well that was a pile of kramp. Nah, jokes, it was alright.

               

                     

This feels like it should have been made in the 80s or early 90s. It's not really my thing, but I'm glad that it was made. It's a solid horror for kids, with no gore but that doesn't pander to its audience. I was dreading seeing 'Krampus', as I was expecting it to be horribly campy, but (while humorous) the actors all play it straight, and there are never any little tongue in cheek moments. 

Immediately the film's in my good books, as we open with a montage of rabid shoppers and gormless shop workers. My good mood soon turned to genuine horror, though, as the story starts and we see how massive and gross this family is. It's the same feeling I get when watching something like 'Home Alone'. I've talked before about my dislike of family environments and the traditional Christmas where you all eat turkey and then sit around opening presents and singing carols or whatever. You know what I did last Christmas? I looked after a friends house, alone, with a huge pan of spaghetti bolognaise and two bottles of Champagne. Well, Cava, but you know.

                    

                     

That love interest guy from 'Parks and Recreation' is the dad in this, and the aunt is played by someone I recognise from somewhere too. This is the classic kid knows something's wrong situation (coupled with a hint of wise old lady), and it's pretty lame. The characters are somewhat compelling though, and I was engaged enough to not do that much else while watching it (I put it on intending it to be something I could write to, but ended up paying closer attention than I was planning). 

The movie starts off as the usual Christmasey crap, but gradually degenerates until Krampus is throwing kids into the yawning gateway to hell. I like this kind of increasingly bonkers plot ('GhostBusters', 'The Evil Dead', 'The Gate'), especially with this kind of throw-back film.

The creature design and host of practical effects were excellent, and overall I'd say that this film was very enjoyable. It's a rare find as most new horror films are one of many shades of shit, and that probably has something to do with the fact that it feels like it was made in the 80s.
           
Oh! I know where the aunt is from! The 'Fargo' series!

         

Krampus: 50.0