Krampus (2015)

"Krampus" is a wonderfully freaky little horror-comedy that came out back in 2015, and has quickly become a new holiday classic for weirdos everywhere. Taking obvious cues from movies like "Gremlins," the film is both scary and hilarious in equal measure, and is a total blast of holiday mayhem.

The dysfunctional Engel family has gathered for Christmas, and things couldn't be more stressful. Parents are drifting apart, kids are fighting, babies are crying... and it's all too much for little Max Engel to handle. In his sadness, he loses his Christmas spirit, inadvertently summoning a dark, demented spirit... the Shadow of Saint Nicholas... Krampus. And now, the family must band together to survive Krampus' assault of killer gingerbread men, evil possessed toys and freakish mutant elves!

With an excellent cast including the absolutely fabulous Toni Collette, the charming Adam Scott and the hilarious David Koechner, the movie is just a ton of fun from start to finish. It's never too scary not to be funny... and never too funny not to be scary. It a razor's edge, and director/co-writer Dougherty walks it masterfully. It's a very well-crafted film with top-notch entertainment value.

I also have to really commend the atmosphere and overall production. The effects, both practical and digital, are wonderfully realised. The titular Krampus himself in particular is borderline awe-inspiring in his old-school suit/puppeted execution. In addition, the sound design is top notch and the production design is phenomenal... the movie really does an excellent job making you "feel" the cold winter outside... you'll practically be shivering yourself.

I really can't recommend this movie enough to open-minded horror fans. Especially if you love Dougherty's other holiday-horror film "Trick 'r Treat," to which this film serves as a perfect companion piece.

4.5 out of 5. (Rounding up to 5 for Movie Mistakes).

TedStixon