Violent Night is a season comedy action movie that features a rather burnt out and disenchanted Santa Claus, who has to dig deep to muster a fight for what is right.
The film is directed by Tommy Wirkola, and stars David Harbour (Santa), Beverly D’Angelo and the great John Leguizamo. The original and funny screenplay is written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.
A comedy that at times is completely absurd, amusing and funny, at others very violent, and even so, manages to convey the Christmas spirit and ambiance. We have not felt so much Christmas fervor since Bad Santa.
Premise
It is Christmas Eve at the Lightstone household. The highly guarded estate is safer than a fort, so that the extraordinarily wealthy family can spend quality time celebrating the season festivities – sibling rivalry and all. However sophisticated the security measures are, it does not deter a group of dangerous armed robbers from attempting a heist. Little do the robbers know, Santa is there, and he is more agile than one would expect.
About the Movie
Here we have a Christmas treat for all of us who have suffered from seasonal-film-overload. A cathartic number that is well produced, well written and has a cast that nails each their character to a tee.
Harbour is brilliant in his role as Santa. A Santa who is tired, and seriously considering retirement. While Leguizamo excellently pulls off a villain, Scrooge, who is so unimpressed by the “tough as nails” Lightstone matriarch sharply played by Beverly D’angelo. Oh, we could go on with the funny characters in this story – all so recognizable, relatable and wonderfully parodied.
The photography is as one would expect from a good Hollywood production, with smartly choreographed long takes, and the fuzzy warm Christmas tones that so well contrast with the rougher events in the film. The special effects, although not apparently many, are served in the right amount, allowing for the script to carry the story along, and give us a few good laughs thanks to the biting exchanges. Of course, there is a lot stunt work, hence Santa gets to show off his good reflexes, however drunk he might be.
If you are in for a well produced, humorous Christmas flick, ‘Violent Night’ is the one we recommend you watch.
Our Opinion
This year’s best Christmas movie.
Release Date
December 2nd, 2022
Director
Tommy Wirkola
Cast
 David Harbour / Santa Claus |  Beverly D’Angelo / Gertrude Lightstone |  John Leguizamo / Scrooge |
 Alex Hassell / Jason Lightstone |  Alexis Louder / Linda |  Edi Patterson / Alva Lightstone |
 Cam Gigandet / Morgan Lightstone |  Brendan Fletcher / Krampus |  André Eriksen |