Review of Christmas Evil (1980) by Timothy S — 31 Jul 2011

Everyone knows that certain someone who takes Christmas just a little too seriously every year, and the lead character in "Christmas Evil" personifies that person in every way, shape and form. In a way, Brandon Maggart reminded me of a homicidal Pee Wee Herman, and that's a big part of why the film isn't entirely successful. It strives to be something different, and it definitely is that, but it's impossible to take any of it seriously. It's not as campy as the other perennial Christmas favorite "Silent Night, Deadly Night", and it's not as good either. Still, the moments that are supposed to be psychologically creepy are mostly just funny. But the film is not without a certain appeal.

I liked the idea of this holiday zealot spreading his peculiar brand of holiday cheer and terror equally, but the film goes nowhere. And then there are touches of weirdness that go unexplained and just left me wondering. But the final scene in which Maggart's Christmas van flies off in front of the full moon is priceless. It's easily the best moment in a film that tries so hard and almost makes it.

It's ultra-cheap and hasn't aged well over the years, but in a strange way that only accentuates the film's charm. What little gore there is is unconvincing and poorly filmed, and while the movie is never dull, it is dated and laughable. It admittedly has its moments, but "Christmas Evil" isn't likely to become a new holiday favorite. It has an undeniable quirky charm, but that only takes this oddball picture so far.