Santa's Rough Night Turns Violent in Holiday Action-Comedy
Slumped in a London pub, Santa Claus (David Harbour) was having a rough Christmas Eve. He downed a few drinks and refused to fulfill his scheduled rounds. But when he arrived at a wealthy Connecticut mansion, ready to swipe a pricey Brandy, little did he know a band of elite robbers, led by the grinch-like Mr. Scrooge (John Rabe), had plans to kidnap the family and make them their hostages.
Santa found himself being thrust into a bloody battle against the misfit gang, determined to protect the family, especially an innocent young girl who believed in Santa. With few traditional Christmas spirit left, Santa tapped into his "Die Hard" skills to take on the armed robbers and shield the family from harm.
Tommy Wirkola, known for his work on the "Deadpool" films, directed "Violent Night," written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller. The film masterfully combines outrageous action, laugh-out-loud humor, and a touch of holiday sentimentalism, creating a thrilling cinematic experience that will leave you in disbelief and laughter.
Despite his innocent-looking appearance, Santa is far from defenseless. Although he may possess magical advantages (although he's not entirely sure), Santa is far from invincible and has to fight tooth and nail to keep his beard stain-free.
While some may find the tonal shifts disconcerting, and others may want to shave off a few minutes from the film's runtime, what truly matters is that "Violent Night" feels like a theatrical experience, making it a rare find amidst the year-end blockbusters.
It may not be the perfect family film for the entire year, but if you can handle a "Violent Night," rest assured, you won't be silent for long.
"Violent Night" will premiere in U.S. theaters on December 2, with an R-rating.
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"Violent Night" is a 2022 action-comedy film directed by Tommy Wirkola and written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller. The plot revolves around a team of elite robbers breaking into a wealthy family's compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. Santa Claus, played by David Harbour, decides to use his "Die Hard"-like skills to protect the family, especially an innocent child. The film's blend of humor and action, combined with holiday sentiment, received positive reviews, with David Harbour's portrayal of the action-oriented Santa Claus earning praise for its departure from traditional conceptions. The film's success led to confirmation of a sequel, "Violent Night 2," set to begin production in early 2025.
