Prowler needs a jump.
Silent Night (2012): 8 out of 10: is a horror film directed by Steven C. Miller, released in 2012. It serves as a loose remake of the 1984 slasher film “Silent Night, Deadly Night.” The film is set in a small Midwestern town on Christmas Eve, where a deranged killer dressed as Santa Claus goes on a murderous rampage. As the body count rises, the local police force, led by scenery chewing Sheriff Cooper (Malcolm McDowell) must race against time to stop the bloodshed and uncover the identity of the killer.
The story unfolds in a picturesque Midwestern town preparing for Christmas festivities. However, the holiday cheer turns into terror when a masked killer begins a brutal spree, taking on the guise of Santa Claus. Amidst the chaos, Deputy Aubrey Bradimore (Jaime King) teams up with Sheriff Cooper to apprehend the assailant. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover disturbing secrets about the town’s residents, leading them to suspect someone they least expect.
As the night progresses, the body count rises, and the killer’s motives become increasingly cryptic. With the town plunged into darkness and fear, Jaime King and Malcolm McDowell race against time to stop the bloodshed before it’s too late.
Silent Night Deadly Night
As targets for remakes go Silent Night Deadly Night is a pretty good choice. While fondly remembered by some as that film, everyone was protesting way back when remaking the guilty pleasure few actually have seen seems a pretty sure thing.
Of course, nothing can go sideways as quickly as an eighties horror remake (I’m looking your way Children of the Corn.) Silent Night avoids the various pitfalls of the genre to deliver a solid horror film with a good sense of humor and some brilliant set pieces.
Fargo
Malcolm McDowell chews scenery admirably while Jamie King is solid in a more grounded role. The film rises above the average with the chase of Cortney Palm ending in a Fargoesque way is so well done it simply raises the film well above the average. That scene, along with some impressive stunt work throughout and a story that doesn’t impede the fun, creates a film that is simply better than it had to be.
An entertaining time if Santa slashing various townspeople entertains you…. you sick bastard. Silent Night offers a chilling twist on the holiday horror genre, blending festive cheer with grisly violence. With its tense atmosphere, memorable kills, and fun performances, it remains a notable entry in the pantheon of Christmas-themed horror films. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it delivers on its promise of seasonal scares.