Title: Krampus Director: Michael Dougherty Writers: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Alison Tolman, Conchata Farrell, Emjay Anthony Year: 2015 Min: 98
Between a fight at school and, most of all, his dysfunctional family, little Max (Emjay Anthony) is very disillusioned by the holidays. What he doesn't know is his actions and feelings unleashes the Christmas demon known as Krampus. Krampus punishes those who disrespect Christmas. He and his family are trapped inside their house, while Krampus and his minions take them away one by one.
Director/ co-writer, Michael Dougherty, who made the modern Halloween classic Trick 'R' Treat, brings the same level of greatness to the Christmas horror film that he did on that one. The result is a film that is supremely fun and thoroughly enjoyable. The structure of the film is one of its' strongest points. As it
progresses it only gets better and better, until it reaches it's
exciting climax and highly satisfactory ending. It's subversion of
Christmas imagery into a funhouse nightmare only adds to its' charm.
As with his aforementioned horror anthology this movie has a warning about happens when you don't respect the holiday that the film revolves around. There is even loving tributes to other Christmas movies like Joe Dante's classic Gremlins (in my opinion the best Christmas horror movie, ever) and possibly even Die Hard 2: Die Harder (if you can catch this one let me know!). For once the PG-13 doesn't hamper the film, something I actually feared would occur in this movie. Humans are taken away, but the monsters do die suitably gory deaths, which since they happen to teddy bears and such don't warrant the fury of the MPAA.
The mix of practical FX and CGI is excellent. The creatures all look cool and wonderfully creepy. It's as if someone took bits and pieces of ideas earlier seen in Full Moon, and made a better movie with them. The killer gingerbread men are a sight to behold. The humor and the horror mix quite well, being funny and still maintaining an sense of threat and tension, throughout its' running time.
The cast is all wonderful. While, I have heard minor complaints that many of the characters are unlikable, I think those who say that miss the point. I think many of them are suppose to be so, after all that is why they are being punished. Regardless, the are sympathetic characters that we care about, mostly the boy's mom, dad, sister, and grandma, the later of whom knows what is happening.
Krampus is the single most fun horror film that has received a major release this year. It leaves you feeling good and wholly satisfied. What's even more shocking is that ranks among the very best of Christmas horror movies. With this and Trick 'R' Treat not only does Dougherty define himself as one of the best horror directors, but one of the finest masters of holiday themed movies.
Title: Contemporary Krampus: A Modern Look at an Ancient Legend
Curated by: Mike Drake
For what is the first time ever this beautiful book, named Contemporary Krampus, compiles more than fifty different artists from across the globe as they take on their interpretation of the legendary and most infamous of all Christmas characters: Krampus! The artists and their styles are all very diverse. They range from the renown and well known like Angus Oblong (whose piece you can see to the left of paragraph below) to more up and coming artists like Minjoon Kim. Contemporary Krampus is filled with amazing and beautiful art of all types: drawn,
painted, or computer crafted, as well as dolls, candles, and more. Each peice has been hand picked by Mike Drake a curator of curious and fascinate things and huge Krampus aficionado.
It's a gorgeous book to just look at, which you will want to over and over again. Each piece (or pieces in some cases) is accompanied by the artists bios. Some minor typos in said bios aside, this is a cool and must have book for those with an interest in Krampus (who has become my favorite Christmas character), the darker side of the holidays, and/ or anyone with an interest in horror/ dark culture in legends and such.
With a ever rising interest in this mythical character, sometimes called the Anti-Santa or Satan's Little Helper (especially with an upcoming horror movie from the director of the masterful Trick 'R' Treat, Michael Doughtery) now is the perfect time to own this amazing softcover, coffee-table sized book.
And, I am giving you a chance to win a copy!!
NOTE: CONTEST OPEN ONLY TO THE CONTINENTAL US ONLY! NOT OTHER COUNTRIES, ALASKA, or HAWAII. SORRY!
All you need to do is leave me a comment below along with your email answering me this question: What holiday movie do you wish Krampus could crossover into and why? Contest runs now till Nov.23. So, get to it and best of luck!
I have an undying love for horror, with a particular for good Christmas horror flicks, and gorgeous women, of course. Well, there is a project called Slay Belles that has all of that. There are some really awesome people involved in front of and behind the camera, and it needs YOUR help to get it finished in time for the holidays! And, it just sounds and looks fucking AWESOME! Give it a look. I know that you'll agree with me, and want to give it a hand.
Follow the following link below for all the info: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/slay-belles-a-spookydan-krampus-film#/story
