Writer: Alan B. McElroy; story by Alan B. McElroy and Tony Giglio
Director: Mike P. Nelson
Stars: Jessica Rothe, Kiana Madeira, Logan Marshall-Green, Will Close, Jackson Bews
Synopsis: Deep in the Amazon, a medical mission becomes a fight for survival when the group awakens Boiúna, a colossal ancient snake that has reclaimed the jungle as its domain. Trapped deep in the wilderness, they must survive both the dangers of the Amazon and the massive predator hunting them.
Synopsis: Inside the colorful world of a 1990s children’s television show, a group of kids spend their days singing, playing games, and learning lessons from Buddy, a cheerful orange unicorn. But when one child refuses to play along, Buddy’s friendly facade begins to crack and the seemingly innocent children’s show becomes something far more sinister.
Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter
Synopsis: After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
Review: This film is extremely original, creepy, fun, funny, scary, and well done. Curry Barker’s debut film is already breaking records, for good reason.
I have been following Curry Baker for a while now, as his sketch videos are very, very funny. After this film, he has already solidified himself as the next Jordan Peele and Zach Cregger.
The horror is already drumming up nominations for breakout star, Indie Navarrette. She uses impressive control of her voice, mannerisms, and facial features to bring other Nikki to life. And the sound in the film is very well done. Nikki’s uncontrollable descent into madness comes with some surprise sounds that vibrate and make you squirm in your seat.
The end of this movie is wild. An ending you won’t fully see coming. A third act that spirals.
Based on: Silent Night, Deadly Night by Michael Hickey and Paul Caimi
Cast: Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, David Lawrence Brown, David Tomlinson, Mark Acheson
Synopsis: A child witnesses his parents’ murder by a man in a Santa suit. Years later, as an adult, he dons a Santa costume himself and embarks on a violent quest for retribution against those responsible for the traumatic event from his childhood.
Review: I am a big fan of Mike P. Nelson. He directed the 2021 reboot of Wrong Turn, which was one of my favorite movies that year. I was a massive fan of the whole franchise and looked forward to the new installment. It really took it in a different direction and I really enjoyed it.
He also wrote and directed the 2018 post-apocalyptic, horror film The Domestics. The movie is brutal and wild and features some great talent like horror icon David Dastmalchian and the late Lance Reddick.
Mike also had not one, but two shorts in the 2023 anthology, found-footage film, V/H/S/85. I believe he is the first and only to have two in one of the films.
I went into Silent Night, Deadly Night not knowing much. I haven’t seen the originals. I knew it would be a good holiday slasher and I really enjoyed Ruby Modine in Shameless and the Happy Death Day films.
A lot of this movie pays homage to the horror movies of the 80s. The camera work, the music, the campiness.
The trophy that the serial killer collects from their victims is just as disgusting as it is original and fun.
There are some really gory kills throughout the movie, including one all-out massacre that will, surprisingly, have you cheering in your seat.
The movie is like a mix of Dexter meets Venom meets Friday the 13th.
I really, really love how the movie ended and I hope we see more from it.
Go see it in theaters. Make it a new Christmas movie for the whole family. You will be surprised at how much you will be cheering throughout this slasher film!
