Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Violent Night’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Violent Night’.
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The vast majority of us out there, welcome the holiday season with opens arms and why wouldn’t we? After all, the sight of Christmas trees and the Minora and all the twinkles they both provide are simply magical in their own right and immediately evoke a sense of hope and a sense of wonder. And they arrive at a time where unity is preached and practiced and of course, it is always a delight to spend precious hours with people we love and reminisce about our journey throughout the year and also partake in the joy of gift giving. All because this is the season of giving, and a season of love, really, and it is supremely difficult for most of us to find fault or concern with it. But believe it or not, the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ isn’t one that puts a smile on everyone’s faces.
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Because for some, the Holiday season is an infuriating time for them. In part for personal reasons, since they might be going through some difficult times in their lives where Christmas cheer really isn’t an appropriate thing to embrace. Or they have to spend time with a family that brings them great strife or little joy. Or in some instances… they are simply disillusioned with the season. For it can at times, entail a touch of greed and a push for materialism over the right things and any or all of those elements, can make for a sour season for an individual. The kind that leaves us wondering, how we help them during this time and bring them Christmas cheer and oddly enough, that conundrum is explored in a fascinating and supremely unique manner in the brand-new holiday action thriller, Violent Night.

A feat that this movie accomplishes by introducing us to a few key people struggling during the holiday season. For the Lightstone family has truly forgotten the meaning of the season, and are spending Christmas Eve this fine year, at each other’s throats while they patiently wait for Christmas to end. Not to mention, there’s Santa Claus himself. Who is quickly coming to discover that his mission to spread Christmas Cheer and joy isn't inspiring or energizing his soul, for the season is not what it used to be. In fact, he is starting to wonder if it is time to hang up his hat. But the arrival of some nefarious individuals at the ultra-posh Lightstone compound on this fine Christmas Eve, is going to change everything for the Lightstones and Santa, simply because their cruel plan is going to remind everyone... of the meaning of Christmas, once ol’ Kris Kringle kicks the ever-living crap out of them, that is.

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Which is a plot that at first glance, shouldn’t denote any sense of Christmas cheer and hope and joy in the slightest, and the action that comes forth in this film, certainly reinforces that line of thinking. Because make no mistake about it, once the violence gets underway in this film, it rarely lets up and leaves one to briefly wonder if any real Christmas themes will pop up here. Especially since we really don’t view Old Saint Nick as the kind of guy who would drop down the chimney to roundhouse kick a dude, but here we are and let’s get it out in the open now, the action is fun and glorious. And filled to the brim with comedic moments and timing that make the wild nature of this movie quite the joy to watch. Because you cannot go wrong with the awesome one liners that Santa and his nemesis Scrooge fire off here, nor will you find yourself looking away when it comes time for Santa to throw down since the ways in which he finishes off his foes, are pretty darn inventive.
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But as this movie continues along, and it indulges in breaks in the action that allow for Santa to reveal more about himself and his struggles, and we learn about the struggles of this family… the Christmas elements come into play, and this quickly does become a holiday movie. One that takes the time to remind us that we can indeed be better during the season, and we should be. Since there are folks out there struggling with the season and looking for relief or direction, and if we are there for them and remind them of what matters… they might find hope. Not to mention, what’s wild is that our villains in this tale, also manage to reinforce the importance of unity and kindness. Since clearly they are jaded individuals that could have gone a vastly different route in life if someone had taken the time to show them a little kindness and care, especially during the holidays. All of which does make this a surprisingly warm and cheerful, and heartfelt holiday film. 

One that does a wonderful job of never becoming sappy or overwhelming, courtesy of… the action that this movie provides. Because it is present here in spades and it is over the top and gory and quite frankly… silly and fun, and that's the best part. In that, this movie never takes itself too seriously and knows exactly what it is about and that benefits the audience greatly. Since they are treated to an entertaining sleigh ride of action and gore from beginning to end. Not to mention it’s the performances here that sell this incredible story since David Harbour (Santa) and John Leguizamo (Scrooge) bring a real honesty to their roles and the moment, and all of that, allows for the viewer to lose themselves in what is truly a must-see movie. One that is filled to the brim with joy and yuletide wonder, and ho-ho-horrible people getting their faces caved in by one badass Santa Claus, who manages to remind us of the true reason for the season.   

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