Cyber-Santa Fights for Survival

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Infinite Santa 8000
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Genre: Animation, Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2013, 2024 Synapse Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Michael Neel
Writer(s): Greg Ansin, Michael Neel
Cast: Duane Bruce, Tara Henry, Michael Neel
Where To Watch: available November 12, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the wasteland future of the year 8000, Santa (Duane Bruce) has traded his sleigh for a suit of cybernetics in the movie unlike any other, INFINITE SANTA 8000. Directors Greg Ansin and Michael Neel expanded their gritty web series into a full-length exploration of a desolate world where the holiday spirit must battle for survival. This film builds on the original series' haunting, otherworldly ambiance, plunging audiences into a setting where festivity meets ferocity.

INFINITE SANTA 8000 draws viewers into a post-apocalyptic showdown where Santa, now part robot, wages war against a host of formidable foes like bat-sharks and a monstrous bunny. The art style, reminiscent of underground comics, lends a raw aesthetic that enhances the film’s chaotic narrative.

Amidst this backdrop, the film weaves a surprisingly tender narrative thread between Santa and his robotic companion, Martha (Tara Henry.) Their relationship offers a poignant counterpoint to the brutality surrounding them, rooting the high-stakes action in a fight for more than just survival but for preserving their bond. This emotional aspect invites viewers to invest in their journey, providing a compelling reason to cheer for their victory.

The pace of INFINITE SANTA 8000 sometimes teeters under the ambition of its action-packed script, potentially risking the monotony of its combat-laden runtime. However, the inventive nature of each villainous encounter injects a necessary energy into the scenes. These aren’t mere filler but illustrations of the film’s dedication to crafting a visually and narratively dynamic spectacle.

INFINITE SANTA 8000 breaks from traditional holiday cinema, proposing a novel blend of sci-fi, action, and dark comedy with a seasonal twist. This film isn’t about warming hearts with festive joy but electrifying the senses with a high-octane narrative that subverts the typical holiday tropes. Its distinct approach to storytelling is not just innovative; it’s a bold redefinition of holiday themes, appealing to an audience eager for a more exhilarating festive experience.

While the film occasionally grapples with pacing issues, these moments are minor compared to its overall creative achievements. The rugged, unrefined edges of INFINITE SANTA 8000 are where its true charm lies, offering a raw, adventurous experience that dares to redefine boundaries. As the film wraps up, it leaves viewers contemplating the vast potential of its unique vision, possibly expanded upon with a larger budget or even reimagined in a live-action format.

This movie is a potential cult classic that beckons to those willing to explore its dark yet strikingly inventive universe. INFINITE SANTA 8000 is a call to adventure for the viewer ready to journey through a holiday season reimagined in the shadows of a post-apocalyptic world.

Bonus Materials
Feature audio commentary with creators Greg Ansin & Michael Neel
The complete original 13-part web series (including optional audio commentary)
Multiple interview featurettes with cast and crew
Original promotional trailers
Two music videos

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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