Ghostly Redemption in Noir Shadows

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Blue Christmas [Special Edition]
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Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): Max Allan Collins
Writer(s): Max Allan Collins
Cast: Rob Merritt, Alisabeth Von Presley, Chris Causey, Nicky Bibik, Chad T. Bishop, Scot Gehret, Dave Juehring
Where To Watch: available November 12, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Set against the frosty backdrop of a 1940s Chicago winter, BLUE CHRISTMAS opens with private investigator Richard Stone (Rob Merritt) in his office, where a seemingly festive holiday party covers the simmering undercurrents of his shady dealings. The film tackles a complex narrative as it delves into Stone's conflicted psyche, juxtaposing his misdeeds against the honorable military service of his secretary’s brother. As the evening progresses, the festive air is increasingly tainted by the unresolved murder of Stone's partner, Jake Marley (Chris Causey,) whose ghostly presence signals the beginning of an otherworldly reckoning. So, I will review this like any other movie, but if you’re going to check it out, keep in mind this is an indie film in almost every aspect. At times, the film feels more like a local community stage play.

The arrival of Marley's spirit on Christmas Eve heralds the first of several spectral visits that will force Stone to confront his murky past and uncertain future. The Ghost of Christmas Past, personified by outlaw Bonnie Parker (Alisabeth Von Presley,) takes Stone on a haunting journey back to his youth on the farm and forward through his rise to corruption alongside Deputy Chief Marley. This spectral guide illustrates how Stone’s early potential for good was twisted into a life of deception and self-serving choices.

As the night deepens, the Ghost of Christmas Present appears in unexpected form. His recent death in combat reminds Stone of the real-world consequences of his actions. This visit exposes Stone to the ripple effects of his moral failings, including dangerous affairs and dealings with the criminal underworld, all exacerbated by Stone’s neglect.

The trilogy of phantasmal visits culminates with the Ghost of Christmas Future, an imposing figure resembling Elvis Presley as ‘The King’ (Scot Gehret), who presents a dire forecast of Stone’s destiny. Confronted with visions of his future incarceration for a crime he’s yet to solve; Stone is jolted into a stark realization about where his continued moral lapses will lead him.

On Christmas morning, Stone awakens a changed man. Driven by the ghostly interventions, he resolves to correct his past misdeeds and finally confronts the tangled mystery surrounding Marley’s death. His quest for redemption brings a hard-earned transformation from a cynical skeptic to a man seeking to atone and reclaim some semblance of integrity. We’ve all heard this story a million times, but this was a unique take on the tale.

BLUE CHRISTMAS blends the gritty elements of noir with a ghostly redemption storyline set against a holiday backdrop that contrasts and highlights the film’s darker themes. The film offers a potent mix of suspense, humor, and nostalgia, promising to engage viewers with its compelling tale of personal redemption and the enduring power of the holiday spirit. The movie captures the essence of personal transformation through spectral guidance, serving as a reminder of the possibilities that can unfold when one faces one's past with the courage to change one's future.

Bonus Materials
Commentary Track by Writer/Director & Producer/Editor
Q&A Highlights from Advanced Theatrical Screenings
Documentary featuring Max Allan Collins

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[photo courtesy of VCI ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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