The killer Santa Claus is not new territory for the horror genre. Films such as \u201cChristmas Evil\u201d and \u201cSilent Night, Deadly Night\u201d already explored that territory prior to the release of 2005\u2019s \u201cSanta\u2019s Slay.\u201d However, neither captured the comedy of it nearly as much as this film.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanta\u2019s Slay\u201d also features a director who was an assistant on films such as \u201cCast Away,\u201d \u201cRed Dragon,\u201d and \u201cRush Hour 2.\u201d This aids in the films very professional and large budget look as opposed to the earlier mentioned films which look much less polished.<\/p>\n
The film\u2019s opening scene firmly sets the tone for the film and it will not be ruined here, but it is very enjoyable and does involve many known actors including: James Caan, Fran Drescher, Chris Kattan, and Rebecca Gayheart.<\/p>\n
The other very enjoyable aspect of this film is that Santa is played by none other than former WWE champion Bill Goldberg. This huge muscled up version of Santa makes the character even more believable in a strange way.<\/p>\n
After the opening sequence, the film picks up with teenager Nicholas Yuleson living with his crazy grandfather, an inventor who has created a bunker in their basement to survive Christmas. When Nicholas asks Grandpa why he hates Christmas, he is shown \u201cThe Book of Klaus\u201d, which reveals the origins of Santa Claus. Apparently, Santa was the result of a virgin birth produced by Satan.<\/p>\n
The plot of the film also unfolds and revolves around Christmas being the traditional \u201cThe Day of Slaying\u201d for Santa. Until, in 1005 AD an angel defeated Santa in a curling match and sentenced Santa to deliver presents on Christmas for 1000 years. This means that Santa is free to kill again in 2005, and as luck would have it, it\u2019s 2005 and Santa wastes no time.<\/p>\n
Nicholas and his grandfather soon find themselves, along with Nick\u2019s girlfriend Mary Mackenzie as the only ones who can stop Santa\u2019s reign of terror.<\/p>\n
While this is far from a \u201cscary\u201d film due to the subject matter, it is a bit violent but more toward an over-the-top comedic sense of violence. The total body count for the film is 32 so there is no shortage of deaths which will please most horror fans.<\/p>\n
This is not a film to be taken seriously, but instead, one to sit back and watch in amazement and disbelief. The idea of a killer Santa Claus should have already alerted you to that fact.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanta\u2019s Slay\u201d will quickly become a repeat viewing as it is quite enjoyable in the same way that \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d is, but maybe in a slightly more violent manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cSanta\u2019s Slay\u201d will certainly make your holidays more fun filled and jolly.<\/p>\n
Final Verdict: Santa\u2019s Slay is a classic entry in the holiday horror film subgenre. The cast, acting, and quality of the film are top notch and check all the right boxes. This is an absolute must see for fans of the ridiculous and is perfect for a night together with friends!<\/p>\n
Where can I get it? Santa\u2019s Slay is available on DVD at a wide variety of retail outlets and online. It is currently available at Walmart, Amazon, FYE, and Barnes and Noble. It is also currently streaming on Amazon.