[Yuletide Terrors] Day 6: CHRISTMAS EVIL

Throughout the month of December, we will be highlighting a film a day that has some tie into the holiday somehow. Some titles will be obvious, others won’t be. Some films will be good and, again, others won’t be. However, we think all titles are worth your time whether to give you chills inside your home or to make you drink more eggnog until you puke laughing.

Harry loves Christmas. And one Christmas Eve he can’t believe it when Santa Claus comes to visit. His brother, Phillip, insists it was their dad dressed up but Harry knows the truth. Unable to sleep he sneaks downstairs to take another look at the tree, but sees something horrific, Santa Claus about to go down Mom’s chimney. Now as an adult (played by Brandon Maggart) Harry is completely obsessed with Christmas and embodying the spirit as much as he can. His house is littered with Christmas decorations, he listens to music while getting ready in the morning and sleeps in Santa pajamas. Harry works at a toy manufacturer, Jolly Time Toys, where he was recently promoted as manager. And he keeps tabs on the neighborhood kids and writes down who’s been naughty or nice. This year Harry designs and makes a Santa costume for himself. But when he goes out to spread Christmas cheer, he gets threatened and the night turns deadly.

Christmas Evil is not a slasher. It is a character study of a deeply disturbed man. But is Harry really that far gone? He wants to spread the cheer he felt as a child but doesn’t know how. Younger brother Philip wants a relationship with Harry but he can’t reach him. But maybe Harry doesn’t want help. Brandon Maggart is incredible in this movie. His reactions to naughty children and coworkers is priceless. The type of revenge he takes on the rotten neighbor kid is funny and pretty odd. This movie is a yuletide essential.

Originally released on DVD by Troma, Christmas Evil was in rough shape. In 2006 Synapse Films released a director’s cut from original vault materials. Their transfer was light years ahead of the Troma release. And this year new label Vinegar Syndrome (remember them?) is putting out a 4k restoration on Blu Ray. They were even able to track down star Brandon Maggart for a commentary with writer/director Lewis Jackson! And to celebrate it’s getting a small theatrical revival. I wonder if it’s playing anywhere tonight…