Review of Christmas Crime Story (2017) by Jeff F — 20 Dec 2017

"Christmas Crime Story" is truly a find in the Indie Film world. I'm so glad that I found this unique gem of a film. While being a dark exploration into the underbelly of film noir seediness on one Christmas Eve, it is also a joyous culmination of Christmas spirit.

It's rare that one movie can so embody the cheer of this holiday and combine it with the angst of Christmas time...as one insightful character states, "Everybody is miserable at Christmas." Adrian Paul's unhinged, yet controlled performance, combined with newcomer (I think) Neraida Bega's brash realistic advance against him is relentlessly compelling to watch.

Eric Close's distraught hopelessness as a fired and desperate Santa on Christmas Eve hit me with a brutally harsh reality. Mary Margarett Humes (Mom from Dawson's Creek) shows up here in a truly heartfelt turn as she meets her estranged son, Scott Bailey, after many years.

Finally, the unexpected shocker of an ending makes it all come together. I never saw it coming, but was very glad when it did. I have to say that I really enjoyed this movie and will make it regular viewing for many Christmas's to come.