Synopsis: A demon seeks out naughty people to punish them at Christmas time.
Release Date: December 4, 2015
Thoughts: In 2007, writer/director Michael Dougherty crafted a splendid little anthology film, Trick ‘r Treat, that quickly attained a cult status among horror aficionados. It had a fair share of scares but even better it had something that’s missing from most fright flicks…atmosphere. A sequel to Trick ‘r Treat is in the works but Dougherty fans won’t have to wait long for his next jolt joint because clearly he’s still in the holiday spirit with December’s Krampus.
Using the anti-St. Nick figure popularized in Austrian culture as inspiration, the film centers on a dysfunctional family that gathers for the holidays pitted against a horned beast intent on keeping things not so merry and bright. Dougherty has a wicked sense of humor and with wise-acre comedians Adam Scott (The Overnight) and David Koechner (Hit and Run) on board I can kind of see where this one will land on the comedy vs horror scale. Toni Collette (Muriel’s Wedding) also pops up, lending a little dramatic credibility. It looks like good scary fun that I hope won’t veer too far into campy territory.