It was only a matter of time before someone would take Santa Claus and mix him with “Die Hard,” it was only a case of how good it would end up being. Tommy Wirkola’s Christmas action flick is the perfect kind of antidote for the folks that don’t mind a bit of cynicism with their holidays. “Violent Night” is very much a “Die Hard” with an adrenaline shot of Christmas cheer. It’s also deep down a great splatter flick that doesn’t mind giving us a Santa Claus who is about brutally punishing those that tick him off.
When a team of mercenaries, led by the vicious “Ebenezer Scrooge” (John Leguizamo), breaks into the compound of the wealthy affluent Lightstone family on Christmas Eve, they take everyone inside hostage. However, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: A very cynical and angry Santa Claus (David Harbour). He is stuck on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint. Doing battle with the armed gun men one by one, he now finds new purpose, when he promises to save young Trudy (Leah Brady), a small girl who is being held hostage along with her parents.
David Harbour plays the Jolly St. Nick with tongue planted firmly in cheek, portraying the mythical saint who has had enough of the holiday. It isn’t until there are actual lives on the line that he decides to start laying people out. “Violent Night” is clear cut camp and breakneck action that approaches the premise with sheer style. Tommy Wirkola does a bang up job bringing this concept to life with some genuine laughs, as well as great performances from folks like John Leguizamo who is ruthless as the film’s central villain “Ebenzer Scrooge.” Although “Violent Night” has every opportunity to sink in to sentimentality, director Wirkola keeps his film on a forward momentum.
The writing constantly delivers on blood soaked fights, and some inventive call backs to fodder like “Home Alone.” Tommy Wirkola’s film is destined to be a cult classic; it’s a film that revels in the darker aspects of the holiday with laughs, camp and a genuinely pleasing action gem.
After being released on Blu-Ray back in 2022, “Violent Night” is finally on 4K UHD for the folks that were willing to wait it out. This new release also includes the Digital Copy, and the Blu-Ray. The special features includes an Audio Commentary with director Tommy Wirkola, Producer Guy Danella, Writer Pat Casey and Writer Josh Miller, all of whom make for an interesting listen. Fans will love this conversation. There are a slew of Deleted and Extended Scenes including “Family Arrives at the Mansion,” “Jason and Linda in Bedroom,” “Krampus Sees Trudy’s Radio,” “Santa on the Roof,” “Walk to the Manger” and so many more.
Quarrelin’ Kringle features the cast and crew all of whom relay why David Harbour is perfect for this violent rendition of Santa. Santa’s Helpers: The Making Of Violent Night features Tommy Wirkola and David Leitch who have reunited for another violent fairytale with heart in Violent Night. Finally, Deck the Halls with Brawls goes behind the action as with a blow for blow exploration of the new villains of Christmas.