Movie Breakdown: Violent Night

Pre-Screening Stance:

David Harbour as the actual Santa Claus in a Die Hard-like situation? How weird but also fitting. Anyhow, yes, sign me up right away.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Violent Night is one of those films that isn’t great but it is exactly what you want it to be. The story is pretty silly – Santa Claus (David Harbour) has had it. He’s been the big guy for a long, long time, and the joy of Christmas has seemingly left his tired body. But wait, it’s Christmas Eve, and a chance to believe again presents itself in the form of an opportunity to save a family from a bunch of naughty people (led by John Leguizamo). So, can a drunk, disgruntled Santa rediscover his love of Christmas by beating the shit out of bad guys? Take a guess.

If all you’re wanting out of Violent Night is to watch David Harbour mumble one-liners and decimate generic criminals, then it’s going to hit the spot for you. Harbour is legitimately funny in the film and he – of course, considering his Hellboy roots – fits the part as a large man in red who can throw a punch, swing a hammer, etc. I do think the film is 20 minutes or so too long, which is mostly evident in a couple of sections that drag. And while it’s certainly a silly action movie, some of it is just so nonsensical that it’s a bit of a distraction. My guess is that neither issue will bother the majority of you, but it’s still worth noting.

Violent Night is a flawed film but it’s a good enough time that you likely won’t care. I recommend you see it with a crowd. It opens this Friday, December 2.

One Last Thought:

The woman seated behind me at the screening absolutely adored this movie. Every joke was the funniest thing she had ever heard, every tender moment elicited a lengthy “aw” and every action scene made her whoop and holler. I like to think she left the theater rather inspired and is now living her life as a bad guy-busting, wise-cracking Santa Claus. Merry Christmas to her only.