Childhood Mistake Unleashes Festive Fear

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MOVIE REVIEW
Santastein
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Benjamin Edelman, Manuel Camilion
Writer(s): Benjamin Edelman, Manuel Camilion
Cast: Jared Korotkin, Michael Vitovich, Ophelia Rivera, Kaylie Heyner
Where To Watch: releasing on Screambox December 19, 2023; check it out here www.screambox.com

RAVING REVIEW: Ho, Ho, Horror! SANTASTEIN has arrived with a jingle and a scream! This imaginative indie venture takes the age-old story of Saint Nick and gives it a naughty twist, stitching together holiday cheer with horror. Let’s unwrap this peculiar gift that will tingle your Christmas senses in the most unexpected ways.

Opening with a dark childhood secret that caused Santa’s death, our protagonist, young Max Causey, is haunted by a yuletide mistake that took away Christmas joy from existence. Determined to set things right, he resurrects Santa, but this is not the jolly old elf we sing about. It’s a revenge-thirsty monster, a shadow of festive terror, tearing through chimneys and nightmares alike.

The directors, Benjamin Edelman & Manuel Camilion, have taken a courageous leap with SANTASTEIN. The result? A creepy yet heartfelt holiday film that makes you second-guess leaving those cookies out on Christmas Eve. Their artistic bravado adds a splash of freshness to the age-old genre of Christmas horror.

The atmospheric set design, combined with intriguing cinematography, places SANTASTEIN in its own category. The film plays with shadows and colors, creating a haunting landscape where Christmas meets the macabre. Austin Hammonds’ striking score dances along, giving life to a soundtrack that’s a joyful terror to the ears.

Now, the acting. Michael Vitovich takes center stage as the monstrous Santastein, with a terrifying portrayal yet filled with nuanced emotions. The main cast, Jared Korotkin, and Ophelia Rivera, conjure a chemistry that adds weight to their characters. They breathe life into the film, making you root for them despite the chaotic circumstances.

However, SANTASTEIN started with guns blazing but couldn’t keep pace throughput. Though the film’s creative mix of holiday horror flows freely, there’s a yearning for a more fleshed-out backstory. A deeper dive into the characters and setting might have crafted a fuller experience. Some performances do lack in comparison to others in the film.

The brilliance of the film lies in its courage to be different. From bold slasher scenes to its audacious blend of dark comedy, SANTASTEIN serves up a twisted holiday feast. While this genre isn’t new, the film’s care to make it unique was evident. One of the most important aspects of my reviewing films is that I never trash movies that try. If you’re just out to make a buck, I will put a movie in its place, but I genuinely enjoy watching films made with heart and passion, even if all the pieces aren’t there.

One must admire SANTASTEIN’s spirited audacity. It’s a bold celebration of Christmas twisted into a unique horror spectacle. The film is ultimately a present wrapped in intrigue, fright, and delight. It’s an unapologetically unique film, challenging norms and inviting you into its frosty embrace. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for something different this Christmas, SANTASTEIN is the holiday treat that refuses to fit neatly under the tree, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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[photo courtesy of IMAGINEX FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA 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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