Krampus — A Review … !

14th December, 2016.

It’s not THAT often that I’ve had time to myself.

Work, more work, shopping, pressie wrapping … 

Oh … and stuff … !

Lots of stuff, in theory, any way.

Oh … and writing for Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar … 

Amazing how what started as something to advertise a pub quiz can morph in to something of a passion.

But there we go.

I’ve a couple of nights off a week: One of which I tend to spend, writing … 

And another … ?

Another that I tend to want to either watch some TV: BBC3’s Class has been a recent favourite.

And frankly?   I’ve still got season 3 of The Strain, and the first season of Mr Robot lined up, too.

Though these are things for another time, maybe.

At any rate, tonight, I wanted to catch a movie.

To be more specific, I had — and wanted to see — the chance to catch something that’s been in my collection for a while, now.

The 2015, Michael Dougherty directed, Krampus.

And yes … 

Fun is a good word to apply.

~≈fl≈~

Three days before Christmas, Tom and Sarah — Adam Scott and Toni Colette — have finally managed to get presents wrapped and food cooked for their family: daughter, Beth (Stefania LaVie Owen), and son, Max (Emjay Anthony).

All with the help of Omi: played by Krista Stadler.

It‘s only when Sarah’s sister, Linda (Alison Tolman), turns up with her husband, Howard (David Koechner) that things turn into a typical family Christmas.

Bad tempered arguments, with adults seething at each other, and children bullying and taunting each other, as only children can.

It’s only after his cousins get especially nasty … ?

That an upset Max rips up the letter he’s written to Santa, and throws it out of the window … 

It’s only when Beth decides to go hunting for her boyfriend?

That things go down hill … 

~≈fl≈~

Now … 

Fun … ?

Absolutely.

Krampus is a film that takes a very old European traditions — of the Krampus figure used too scare children into behaving themselves — and gives it a light heart-hearted modern twist.

While still keeping a thread of menace through the film.

The toys in the attic?

Are definitely gruesome.

On a personal note?

I also have to ask if writer/director Michael Dougherty is a Terry Pratchett fan.

I personally found both Omi (Krista Stadler) and Aunty Dorothy (Conchata Ferrell) very reminiscent of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg.

In point of fact … ?

I found Krampus put me in mind of some of Pratchett’s work: in tone and fell, if not in terms of plot.

Either way?

Krampus is a fun film.

One I’d suggest you’ll enjoy, this Christmas.

Krampus

★★★☆