Violent Night * * * ½

It seems that every Christmas another hard edged comedy is dished up.  This years is a lot better than some of the previous - Office Party etc.

I thought this was going to be about a guy who dresses as Santa and finds himself in a situation where he has to do something : a bit like Bruce Willis in "Die Hard".  It's actually about the real Santa.  Yes, the real one who comes from the North Pole and delivers presents to the good children.  If you don't believe in him you're going to struggle with this movie, because it's predicated upon him being real, okay?  (Also, if you don't believe in him don't expect any presents this Christmas).

Drunk and weary Santa is on another Christmas Eve run.  One house he has to deliver to is an isolated mansion owned by a rather unpleasant matriarch - a soulless, foul mouthed corporate bitch.  She is being reluctantly visited by her equally unpleasant family, even though she couldn't give a damn if they visit her or not.  But they all want to make sure they are in line for the inheritance.  

You better watch out....

However, amongst them is sweet little girl Trudy. She's been good and she is on Santa's list.

The millionaires mansion has its own safe with three hundred million dollars in it.  It also has a few disloyal staff who are part of a plan to steal the lot with some outside help from some very unpleasant people.  You, know, the type that will amputate bits of you in front of the rest of the family if you don't tell them where the money is.

Having walked into this situation, naturally Santa wants to walk right out again. An old man in a red suit isn't really up for fighting, especially on his busiest night of the year: but little Trudy needs Santa's magic.  

Santa's magic turns out to be summoning up his Viking heritage, where he was once a warrior. Some things you don't forget - like how to crush a head with a sledgehammer.

It turns out little Trudy is also rather efficient when it comes to finding ways of crippling the enemy and she can be very creative with things like nails, bowling balls, glue etc.

It's bloody as all heck, but you'll probably laugh too much to be disturbed.  At least, I did.