I've always seemed to love movies which were favoured more by audiences than critics and there's certainly no exception here. This movie delivers exactly what you'd want and expect plus a little bit more from a festive thriller.
Back in 2017 when Fat Man was the feature of this genre starring Mel Gibson as our bad ass, grizzled Kris Kringle, I thought he had the best we'd see of the genre, however David Harbour knocked this one clear out of the park. Harbour himself likely drew in more than a few pairs of eyes from Stranger Things it the film as a whole did well to earn them.
Loved the numerous references and homages to the Christmas classics like Home Alone and Die Hard. While some of them are blatantly cheesy and predictable, I think that was there intent and part of why they worked so well.
Admittedly I was surprised to see it wasn't all just fun and games with all the expected and advertised action sequences, there was a decent story which provided a nice beat to dance to for the duration of the ride and some genuinely touching moments.
Only a couple things to deduct points for - while there is plenty of great gore and effects, with their R rating they really could have amped it up to the level of The Boys (Translucent anyone?) and the humour could have gone a little raunchier when instead they opted to keep things more politically correct and safe. There are a few scenes that fell rather flat and seemed like they were about to deliver more than what came, especially when we're getting acquainted with the whole family and some later scenes when much of the ensemble is grouped up. There also could have been a little more backstory on who the characters were and what happened in the past to explain some of there motivations as well, but all in all these are relatively minor points and a film such as this can be easily excused for having a thin story to support the plot.
Strong 8/10 considering you should be watching a film like this with proper expectations. As long as you are then they'll likely be slightly exceeded. Pour a nice cup of spiked apple cider and enjoy the ride!
Back in 2017 when Fat Man was the feature of this genre starring Mel Gibson as our bad ass, grizzled Kris Kringle, I thought he had the best we'd see of the genre, however David Harbour knocked this one clear out of the park. Harbour himself likely drew in more than a few pairs of eyes from Stranger Things it the film as a whole did well to earn them.
Loved the numerous references and homages to the Christmas classics like Home Alone and Die Hard. While some of them are blatantly cheesy and predictable, I think that was there intent and part of why they worked so well.
Admittedly I was surprised to see it wasn't all just fun and games with all the expected and advertised action sequences, there was a decent story which provided a nice beat to dance to for the duration of the ride and some genuinely touching moments.
Only a couple things to deduct points for - while there is plenty of great gore and effects, with their R rating they really could have amped it up to the level of The Boys (Translucent anyone?) and the humour could have gone a little raunchier when instead they opted to keep things more politically correct and safe. There are a few scenes that fell rather flat and seemed like they were about to deliver more than what came, especially when we're getting acquainted with the whole family and some later scenes when much of the ensemble is grouped up. There also could have been a little more backstory on who the characters were and what happened in the past to explain some of there motivations as well, but all in all these are relatively minor points and a film such as this can be easily excused for having a thin story to support the plot.
Strong 8/10 considering you should be watching a film like this with proper expectations. As long as you are then they'll likely be slightly exceeded. Pour a nice cup of spiked apple cider and enjoy the ride!