Black Christmas(2006)- User Reviews

We all know that remakes can't match the superb quality of their iconic predecessors and the modern version of Black Christmas proves this point. Yet, why can't a film, sometimes, just aim to be a fun ride? Not every film doesn't have to be The Godfather, what matters is that you have fun and are completely immersed. And Black Christmas accomplishes both aspects. Shoot, the director even throws in a few suspenseful moments that can make you feel a little uncomfortable at times. This latest slice-and-dice film definitely quenches the thirst of gore hounds with its relatively high body count, provides inventive kills for horror buffs, and gives some gratuitous flesh for the horny horror freaks. In brief, the Black Christmas redux won't win any awards, but if you need an engaging film that'll keep you captivated from start to finish, look no further.

This modernized version of the 70's classic, "Black Christmas" revolves around a group of sorority sisters who are alone on Christmas evening and get a threatening phone call from a psychopath. After the horrific phone calls, the sorority sisters start disappearing, although the sorority sisters may just have an idea on who this mongoloid really is.

First, let's start with the positives. The performances are not too shabby. For a movie like this, the acting should have been abysmal. Fortunately, almost everyone here is pretty decent. Notice I said "decent", not groundbreaking, nor cringe-worthy. Moreover, the kills in this movie are creative and provide enough gratuitous blood spray. We get an ice-skate to the head, an icicle to the eye, a few eye gouges, a few suffocations, an impalement to the abdomen, and a few head decapitations to name some. Furthermore, the gore is as promising as the kills. Most of the deaths occur on-screen and the gory aftermaths are seen in its fullest extent. To add to that, the direction is solid. This movie moves at a lightning fast pace and things move very slowly. Nor does everything happen too swiftly. This movie has a great direction. Now, the cinematography is phenomenal. The scenes are vibrant, polished, and the movie establishes a great, dark atmosphere.

Now, let's get to the negatives. What really doesn't work with this film is the script. There are massive plot holes that are so large, you can fit Texas in them. Moreover, the story detracts from the creepiness and atmosphere. The iconic early 70's classic showed you that just a random stranger, can go mad, and start to prey on anyone. In the modernized classic, we get to know the killer's identity, motivation, and techniques. It really detracts from the atmosphere and the fright.

Overall, Black Christmas is a flawed, but captivating experience. The performances are decent, the direction is great, the scenery is breathtaking, and the gratuitous deaths are fulfilling. Sure there's nothing "groundbreaking" here, and the script is pretty weak, but Black Christmas is a fun ride that should be judged on its own merits. If everyone would stop comparing the original and the remake, maybe more people would get a satisfied result. I am recommending the modernized Black Christmas version.