Christmas Evil
by Lewis Jackson
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Andy Fenwick, Brandon Maggart, Brian Neville, Dianne Hull, Jeffrey DeMunnDirector: Lewis Jackson
Brand: RYKODISC
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Director's Cut, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-11-14
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Model: SFD0060
Studio: Synapse Films
Product features:
- Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggert) is obsessed with Christmas! In fact he wants to "be" the authentic Santa Claus, with a real suit, sleigh and reindeer. Ever since he learned the truth about Santa, he s tried to make Christmas a reality. Growing up a toy maker, Harry is met with naysayers and critics who mock him for his yuletide beliefs but he wants people to get the presents they deserve, even if
Movie Reviews of Christmas Evil
Movie Review: A world long gone but an all-too-common anti-hero
Summary: 5 Stars
You Better Watch Out is set in a world that no longer exists. American-made toys may be extinct, but here they are assembled in the shadows of New York City. Televisions are black and white and the viewers don't use remotes. Geraldo Rivera's doppleganger appears from time to time on these tubes to report serious news stories. Areas adjacent to Montclair, New Jersey, are working class neighborhoods rather than homes of the McMansion. So this movie could have just as easily been directed by Fritz Lang than made a mere 30 years ago.
Harry, though, is all too common as a contemporary anti-hero. Coarse environs and rampant cynicism inspire alienation and anger. By the final reel, these impulses lead to murder and madness. Harry isn't Jason or Freddie. He is a pathetic figure pushed a little too hard by a world much too mean for Santa.
The greatness of this movie often is ascribed to Brandon Maggart's stellar performance as Harry, and that is undeniable. But there is an ensemble of talent not found in most major productions let alone low budget films. Small roles, some that feature wide-eyed children, are marvelously acted. The Christmas Eve atmosphere is gritty and dark. The cinematography is so voyeuristic that it almost induces shame; Maggart may gaze into the mirror at every opportunity to watch his Red Dragon-like transformation into Santa Claus, but the camera never takes its lens off of him. That took world class direction (this is how reality television would be if the subjects actually were ignorant they were recorded, and it would be most disturbing). Finally, there is not enough praise possible for the art director. Classical depictions of Santa as a harsh and malevolent judge are interspersed with the jolly cliches of the last century or so. This duality is an apt and brilliant representation of Harry.
So this is a B-movie that also is cinema. You Better Watch Out never lets you forget it is low budget, but it also causes you to think about yourself and your place in a cruel world. That makes it art, of course. For this reason, You Better Watch Out always reminds me of the better Corman classics, and of Bucket of Blood in particular. While made on the cheap, its depth and vision are a joy.
Finally, You Better Watch Out often is described as a holiday slasher, and that is inaccurate. While closer, it really isn't the psychological study frequently claimed, either. It is a tragedy that in the end inspires more sadness than exhiliration. There are no Billy Caldwells, and neither is Jimmy Stewart anywhere in the vicinity. But Harry can be found, just as he can be in all likelihood outside your door if not inside your home this holiday season.
Summary of Christmas Evil
Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggert) is obsessed with Christmas! In fact he wants to "be the authentic Santa Claus, with a real suit, sleigh and reindeer'. Ever since he learned the 'truth' about Santa, he's tried to make Christmas a reality. Growing up a toy maker, Harry is met with naysayers and critics who mock him for his yuletide beliefs. but he wants people to get the presents they deserve, even if that means giving the gift of murder! Cynics and uptight hypocrites beware! Lewis Jackson's classic black comedy horror film, CHRISTMAS EVIL (aka YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!) is, according to cult film director/auteur John Waters, 'the best seasonal film of all time. I wish I had kids. I'd make them watch it every year and, if they didn't like it, they'd be punished!' Time to hang those stockings from the fireplace and get ready. the sadistic holiday chestnut CHRISTMAS EVIL is here in an all-new Director's Cut edition. Transferred from the director's own personal film elements, this version of CHRISTMAS EVIL is the original first cut of the film containing even more scenes and never-before-seen footage!Similar DVD Movies
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