Violent Night

"Violent Night," released in 2022, is an action-packed comedy set during Christmas. Directed by Tommy Wirkola and written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the movie centers around Santa Claus, played by David Harbour, as he takes on a group of mercenaries who have seized a wealthy family in their own residence.

In "Violent Night," Santa Claus not only checks his naughty list but also pulverizes bad guys with a sledgehammer on Christmas Eve. If it weren't for the presence of David Harbour in the lead role, one might mistake this film for a low-budget production destined to be quickly forgotten after the holiday season.

However, director Tommy Wirkola utilizes the budget to its fullest potential, delivering a new holiday classic that captures the essence of Christmas cheer while not shying away from excessive gore. Despite the abundance of over-the-top violence, the movie manages to wear its big heart on its sleeve, making it more than just a forgettable B-movie.

Adding to the madness, the criminals in "Violent Night" adopt holiday-themed code names, led by the villainous Mr. Scrooge, portrayed by John Leguizamo. (And yes, Mr. Scrooge has a backstory that explains his hatred for Christmas). This sets the stage for a hilarious cat-and-mouse game that always ends in glorious brutality. The sheer absurdity of the concept is the film's greatest strength, and Wirkola knows exactly how to embrace the ridiculousness of each death, resulting in uproarious laughter throughout the theater.

Release: 2022

Stars: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Beverly D'Angelo

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%