Rating: 
Summary: "Christmas Evil" -a rare, artistic gem!
Review: A.K.A. "Terror in Toyland", "You Better Watch Out!"Other reviews have already covered the main lines of the story, so I will focus a bit on the dvd releases. In addition to the Troma dvd release, I had also previewed the Diamond Entertainment release, paired with "Silent Night Bloody Night". The same print transfer was used for both releases, as evidenced by the same digital artifacts which appear at the same point near the beginning of the movie.
Compared to previous, poor quality, chopped-up videotape releases of this title over the past few years, both the Troma and Diamond dvds are a vast improvement! One cannot go wrong with either edition. Despite some slight flaws and scratches in the print, it was like experiencing this film for the first time. I may be mistaken (I had long since given away my Diamond copy), but the Troma release seems to provide a better audio track.
The commentary and interviews on the Troma edition (another advantage of that disc) were quite enjoyable as well. It's good to see these type of films receive this kind of five-star treatment. As evidenced from the informative audio commentary, director Lewis Jackson had done considerable research into the various legends pertaining to the Santa Clause figure, of which Santa as an Old Testament Yahweh-like "judge" is perhaps the least known or regarded. The music and audio soundscapes were strikingly, hauntingly well-done in the sequences of Harry/Santa driving his sleigh-van to bring gifts to the "Willow" childrens hospital, up through the scenes of the massacre upon the church steps and following.
What superb music and sound editing that went into that sequence of scenes!
As previous reviews have stated, this is not typical film representative of the "slasher" genre,- and will perhaps disappoint those expecting such - but a more artistic and psychological realization and handling of a disturbed man who undergoes a gradual transformation into becoming "Santa Clause", in both the mythical figure's attribute of "goodness" (e.g., the magical scene that transpires at the Willow hospital) and that of harsh "judgement" (that transpires upon the church steps). Lewis Jackson laments the fact in his commentary that he handled certain material of the film too subtly - unlike the later Santa slasher flicks done by others.
Yet this is precisely why I enjoy and appreciate this film and regard it a rare, artistic gem.
Rating:
Summary: "Christmas Evil" -a rare, artistic gem!
Review: A.K.A. "Terror in Toyland", "You Better Watch Out!" Other reviews have already covered the main lines of the story, so I will focus a bit on the dvd releases. In addition to the Troma dvd release, I had also previewed the Diamond Entertainment release, paired with "Silent Night Bloody Night". The same print transfer was used for both releases, as evidenced by the same digital artifacts which appear at the same point near the beginning of the movie.
Compared to previous, poor quality, chopped-up videotape releases of this title over the past few years, both the Troma and Diamond dvds are a vast improvement! One cannot go wrong with either edition. Despite some slight flaws and scratches in the print, it was like experiencing this film for the first time. I may be mistaken (I had long since given away my Diamond copy), but the Troma release seems to provide a better audio track.
The commentary and interviews on the Troma edition (another advantage of that disc) were quite enjoyable as well. It's good to see these type of films receive this kind of five-star treatment. As evidenced from the informative audio commentary, director Lewis Jackson had done considerable research into the various legends pertaining to the Santa Clause figure, of which Santa as an Old Testament Yahweh-like "judge" is perhaps the least known or regarded. The music and audio soundscapes were strikingly, hauntingly well-done in the sequences of Harry/Santa driving his sleigh-van to bring gifts to the "Willow" childrens hospital, up through the scenes of the massacre upon the church steps and following.
What superb music and sound editing that went into that sequence of scenes!
As previous reviews have stated, this is not typical film representative of the "slasher" genre,- and will perhaps disappoint those expecting such - but a more artistic and psychological realization and handling of a disturbed man who undergoes a gradual transformation into becoming "Santa Clause", in both the mythical figure's attribute of "goodness" (e.g., the magical scene that transpires at the Willow hospital) and that of harsh "judgement" (that transpires upon the church steps). Lewis Jackson laments the fact in his commentary that he handled certain material of the film too subtly - unlike the later Santa slasher flicks done by others.
Yet this is precisely why I enjoy and appreciate this film and regard it a rare, artistic gem.
Rating: 
Summary: There's a new Santa in town
Review: Christmas Evil holds a unique spot in the genre of Christmas slasher films. While a few individuals are murdered, there so little blood that I would not classify this as a slasher film at all. This is more of a psychological treatment that transcends horror of a primal nature. In its own special twisted way, Christmas Evil is really sort of touching, and I would argue that it actually does possess a measure of real Christmas spirit. Harry isn't a bad guy; his heart is in the right place - it's just a few of his toys of death that end up in wrong places such as someone else's neck. As a young child, Harry sees disturbing evidence before his very eyes that Santa Claus is not real, and this experience scars him for life. He does not let the Christmas spirit die in him, however; the spirit actually grows to the point that, as a forty-something year old man, he tries to become Santa Claus and spread joy to good little children. He spies on the neighborhood kids, writing down notes in his books of naught boys and girls. As a newly-promoted manager at a toy factory, he is dismayed to see inferior-quality toys rolling off the assembly line, his co-workers speak badly of the holidays, and a new hotshot executive puts forth a promotional campaign to send toys to a children's hospital without knowing or caring if there will be enough for the kids. Eventually, poor Harry snaps, dons a Santa suit, and goes out to spread Christmas spirit all around. Of course, a few adults have been very bad in his eyes, and a few of them end up dead. Brandon Maggart is really quite good in the role of Harry. Some of his laughing fits early on are rather annoying, but his face really shows a lot of emotion and complexity, especially on those occasions when he is doing something that will make children happy and when he finally comes to grip with the idea that his plan to give everyone a real Santa has failed. Take away Harry's obvious mental unbalance and you are left with a weird sort of inspirational story, one that actually fits in to some degree with classic Christmas tales such as A Christmas Carol. I'm not saying this is a movie every family needs to watch every Christmas Eve - that is clearly not the case. However, Harry, in his own tragically disastrous way, does have the Christmas spirit and tries to keep it in his heart every single day, and that is what I will remember about him the most.
Rating:
Summary: Christmas Evil (1980)
Review: CHRISTMAS EVIL is a surprisingly chilling, effective and well-made horror film that rubs off as more of a character study than a true slasher film. As a boy, Harry saw his mother making love with Santa Claus, and in his adulthood, he owns a toy store called 'Jolly Dream'. Little do the townspeople and the employees know that Harry is now a crazed killer - Santa's number one fan - and he'll do anything to keep the tradition going by keeping track of who has been naughty and who has been nice. Brandon Maggart is exceptional as the psycho Santa in this atmospheric and frightening tale that mixes in some humour as well. The music and sound is equally great, combining the superb effects of orchestral pieces to synth to make the ultimate in terror soundtrack. This horror movie, though a little slow-moving at times, is a little gem that has finally been rewarded with a DVD release, and rightfully so. This could obviously be the (ahem) second best Christmas horror film, falling right under the place of BLACK CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS EVIL was released under two alternate titles - TERROR IN TOYLAND, YOU BETTER WATCH OUT.
Rating:
Summary: CLASSIC HOLIDAY THRILLER IS VERY EFFECTIVE
Review: CHRISTMAS EVIL is one of those little classics that has gained a cult following and has managed to keep a low profile through the years. Sometimes confused with other movies like BLACK CHRISTMAS or SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT (and for the record all 3 movies are very different) CHRISTMAS EVIL is not so much a horror movie as it is a dark comedy about a man's journey into insanity. I don't want you to get the wrong impression since CHRSITMAS EVIL isn't a comedy, but it is light hearted in the way it shows and depicts the main character believing he is Santa Clause. Which brings us to the story. A man, who was traumatized as a boy by seeing his mother getting laid by old st. Nick, grows up into believing he is the real, better Santa Clause and can bring good to the world. Its almost hard to describe exactly what makes this movie so good or what makes this movie so scary. You really have to see it to believe it. It takes you on a journey into the mind of a mentally disturbed individual while showing us violence and comedy all in the happy holiday setting. And as for the ending which many people say is confusing.....it's not confusing if you think it over and have a little faith. CHRISTMAS EVIL is a christmas classic indeed.
Rating:
Summary: A True Christmas Classic!
Review: Greetings from Tromaville! Aside from being John Waters's favorite Christmas movie, this film is known as the best of the Holiday Horror genre. Originally titled "You better watch out.....", and also known as "Terror in Toyland", the film was re-released with the title "Christmas Evil" to cash in on the success of "Silent Night, Deadly Night". But "Christmas Evil" is a much different film. Contrary to the cover art, "Christmas Evil" is a psychological horror film that digs deep into the mind of a person who loves Santa, and hates the greedy. He always brings presents to the "nice", such as numerous toys for the children's hospital. What makes it a horror film is that he treats those who have been "Naughty" with death. There are two things commonly misinterpreted about the film. First of all, it is not anti-Christmas. If anything, it's against the commercialization of Christmas. Second, it's not completely a psychological horror film. It's mostly a dark-comedy in the vein of "Jack Frost" (not the conglomerate crappy Keaton one, but the horror/comedy distributed by A-Pix Entertainment.) that will leave you mesmorised. It also contains running commontary with the director, and the star, Brandon Maggart, who is the father of pop princess Fiona Apple, as well as a special holiday introduction with Troma President Lloyd Kaufman. In conclusion, see "Christmas Evil". It will do for Christmas what Charles Kaufman's "Mother's Day" did for Mother's Day
Rating:
Summary: X-mass Murder
Review: Harry has a problem. He's an adult with the mind of a child. Due to a childhood trauma, Harry is obsessed with all things christmas. He works in a toy factory and finds the cheaply constructed toys to be an abomination. He goes to a company christmas party, only to find his boss and a new executive discussing how best to squeeze every last cent out of the yuletide season. Harry snaps. He goes on a murderous rampage, while at the same time delivering a vanload of quality toys to a children's home. See, Harry's not just some ordinary psychopath. He's a fairly complex guy. He means well, he's just mad as hell and he can't take it anymore! Most "slashers" are mindless killing machines with no depth. Harry is more human. I enjoyed this movie and recommend it to those who like dark films with humor and limited gore...
Rating: 
Summary: Not one the best TROMA movies but definatly worth your money
Review: I found this movie a little slow for most troma movies. however it is a pretty cool movie. Its wierd but was awesome! if you are into most troma movies you will probably like this one!
Rating:
Summary: Good idea, just needs more spice
Review: I recently watched Christmas Evil for the first time, and I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either. I thought it was a really good idea, but there just wasn't enough happening. Nobody is murdered until the 2nd half of the movie, and even after that, I can only remember one other killing. For a slasher movie, I think more action & violence would have been in order. But still, the acting was pretty solid for a "b" movie, and the killer's dimentia was well done. I liked the film well enough to watch it again at some point. I bought this movie as part of a Horror Classics set at Best buy for $6, you get several other movies with it, so if you want to watch it for cheap, that is the way to go.
Rating: 
Summary: Should Be Titled 'Christmas Awful'
Review: I've seen a whole lot of 'bad' horror movies but this one is pretty bad. The original box description made it sound like it might be worth watching but save your money/time and try something else. There is virtually no action until about 50 minutes into the movie. Even then, it is fairly mild and there is really not much in the way of F/X to speak of.
The 'story' is weak and quite frankly I just wanted to turn it off more than anything else but kept hoping that it would get better. Well, it did not, ( hence the 1 star ).
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