Krampus (2015)
Director: Michael Dougherty.
Synopsis
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for young Max (Anthony) and his dysfunctional family it brings tension and arguments. After Max's letter to Santa is cruelly read aloud by his cousins, Max, hurt, rips up his letter. The family's lack of Christmas spirit unleashes the wrath of Krampus; a horned "shadow" of Saint Nick who punishes those who have been naughty. With Krampus and his helpers attacking the house, the family must put all squabbles aside to battle the festive looking demons.
Review by Claire Durrant
It's the most 'wonderful time of the year' in this festive season horror/comedy, form the director of Trick 'r' Treat (2007).
Firstly the design of the film is admirable. From crazy tree angels to homicidal gingerbread men, there is inventively silly scariness throughout and Christmas seeps into every frame. An animated sequence that tells the backstory of the title character is pleasant and creepy and looks like it's come straight out of a fable.
If the characters appear unfocused and one dimensional, they at least manage to appear appropriately scared throughout (remember, they are being terrorised by gingerbread men).
Commendable considering how, once revealed, the monster doesn't quite live up to what your mind imagines it could look like during the earlier sequences when it's features are obscured.
Despite the lack of top-drawer qualities, there are plenty of moments in this film to enjoy and Krampus none the less makes it onto my Christmas movie 'watch list'.
To read the full review: http://ow.ly/VJxZj
For a full list of films screening at Cineworld Milton Keynes: http://www1.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/milton-keynes
Cast & credits
Producers: Michael Dougherty, Alex Garcia, Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull. Writers: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields. Camera: Jules O'Loughlin. Music: Douglas Pipes. Sets: Jules Cook.
Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen, Krista Stadler.
