Naughty List Goes Nuclear in New Film

Read Time:4 Minute, 14 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Violent Night
–

Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Year Released: 2022, 2023 4K
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Tommy Wirkola
Writer(s): Pat Casey, Josh Miller
Cast: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, Beverly D’Angelo
Where To Watch: available November 7, 2023; pre-order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Hold onto your reindeer. VIOLENT NIGHT shakes up the holiday film genre like a snow globe in the hands of a thrill-seeking elf. David Harbour, as Santa, gives us a character who's more at home on a battlefield than on a rooftop. The movie grabs the reins of the classic Christmas narrative and races it through an obstacle course of dark comedy and gripping action. It's a festive film that isn’t afraid of getting its boots dirty, and its Santa doesn’t mess around.

The narrative brings us into an action-packed arena where comedy and chaotic set pieces collide. Under Tommy Wirkola's direction, we're treated to a Christmas story that is less about silent nights and more about explosive fights. Harbour's portrayal of a world-weary Santa, reminiscing over the days of his past, is a sharp contrast to the traditional cookie-loving, sleigh-riding figure we all know.

This Santa's story begins in an English pub, setting up a refreshing narrative that spans from the unexpected to the outright fantastic. As a family’s holiday cheer spirals into chaos, Santa dusts off his combat skills, trading in his “Ho Ho Ho” for more of a battle cry.

VIOLENT NIGHT offers a fresh look at the season of giving through a gunmetal lens, a satirical look at consumerism dressed in a Santa suit. The film’s choreography is like a well-orchestrated ballet of bravado, with Wirkola's hand ensuring each sequence explodes off the screen with the force of a Christmas cracker – loud, bright, and full of surprises. You wouldn’t expect anything less from the teams that brought us JOHN WICK and NOBODY.

There's a knowing nod to action greats, not through mimicry but with a gritty homage that forges its darkly humorous path. The plot may not be super deep, and the supporting characters might not all sparkle like tinsel, but these details fade against the movie's bold charm. Divisive? Perhaps. But for those tired of the same old carols, VIOLENT NIGHT presents a gift wrapped in barbed wire with a dynamite finale. It's a loud blend of yuletide myth and muscle that stands out in a sea of sugarplum fairy tales.

At the crux of this holiday heist is a heart that beats to the rhythm of contrasting ideals – the sacred holiday spirit versus a battle-ready Santa, the tranquil versus the tempestuous. Harbour's Santa is a character re-forged, emerging as a defender of the festive spirit with a decidedly robust approach.

VIOLENT NIGHT doesn’t just jingle bells; it blasts them through the roof, offering a holiday viewing experience that is as audacious as it is unexpected. Wirkola has crafted a seasonal story where cheer and chaos dance in a tinsel-tangled tango, ensuring this Santa's sleigh ride is not soon forgotten. The film is a bold and audacious escapade, offering a holiday narrative that is a little more naughty and a little less nice.

BONUS FEATURES:
Deleted and Extended Scenes
Quarrelin’ Kringle
– Cast and crew relay why David Harbour is the perfect brawler for this combative rendition of Santa.
Santa’s Helpers: The Making of VIOLENT NIGHT
– Tommy Wirkola and David Leitch have reunited for another madcap, violent fairytale with heart in VIOLENT NIGHT. This making-of will celebrate their spirited reunion and the other little helpers.
Deck the Halls with Brawls
– Go behind the action as we go blow for blow with the new villains of Christmas.
Feature Commentary with Director Tommy Wirkola, Producer Guy Danella, Writer Pat Casey, and Writer Josh Miller

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[photo courtesy of UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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