Violent Night [2022] – David Harbour, Beverly D’Angelo

Universal’s Violent Night is as violent as advertised. But It’s also an extremely fun Christmas movie for adults.

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really enjoyed watching Violent Night in the theater. Die Hard meets Home Alone, the movie shines when David Harbour is allowed to be fully himself as Santa. He might not be your typical santa, but he’s certainly one to remember. In fact, he makes for a great, anus-kicking Santa #InsideJoke. First half of the movie might be a little slow for my taste, but it definitely builds up to bloody glory that makes John McClane (Bruce Willis in Die Hard) ashamed.

Let’s be honest. This movie is not for kids. However, it does exactly what it sets out to do: Entertain and delight holiday crowds who would rather flinch and whoop as Santa breaks bones than cheer big holiday musical numbers. Also known as me! There is enough holiday magic and grim cheer that it contends for the coveted spot of repeat offender for many Decembers to come. See you next year.

Jokes aside, behind all the gore-splattered walls and domestic rancor lies a sweet-and-sour bedtime story of good triumphing over evil.

Should you watch it?

Violent Night isn’t as wildly entertaining as its concept might suggest, but for those seeking harder-edged holiday fare, it is a ho-ho-whole lot of fun.

Where can I watch it?

Violent Night is now playing in theaters.