"Silent Night, Deadly Night"
Runtime: 85 mins. Release Date: 11-9-84
Based on a story by Paul Caimii
Screenplay by Michael Hickey
Directed by Charles E. Sellier, Jr.
Cast: Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, Toni Nero, Robert Brian Wilson, Charles Dierkop, Linnea Quigley, Randy Stumpf, Britt Leach, Tara Buckman, and Will Hare
Plot: After his parents are murdered, a young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa, due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior.
Review:
I know that in every 80's slasher film there's an old guy warning you of the danger that lies ahead, but there was something chilling to me about the crazy old grandfather warning young Billy about how Santa punishes those little boys and girl that are naughty.
This is definately one of the best films of the genre. From it's cheesey 80's montage, to the perfect song, "Santa's Watching", which seems so sinister in the context of the film. And of course in the end, Billy gets no revenge against his what I like to call his "LOOMIS", Mother Superior.
Great practical make-up fx and some really good performances, particularly that of Lilyan Chauvin as Mother Superior, round out this film well. And of course what is a slasher film without a Scream Queen, Linnea Quigley. Who has one of the best deaths in the film as far as I'm concerned and she is not too unattractive to look at to boot.
One thing to add here, if you don't already know. The single Anchor Bay uncut edition transfer does have a few problems with darkening in some scenes. But it's not that bad in my opinion, ceratinly didn't halt any of the enjoyment of watching it again.
So go and check it out if you haven't seen it, or even if you have. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.
Runtime: 85 mins. Release Date: 11-9-84
Based on a story by Paul Caimii
Screenplay by Michael Hickey
Directed by Charles E. Sellier, Jr.
Cast: Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, Toni Nero, Robert Brian Wilson, Charles Dierkop, Linnea Quigley, Randy Stumpf, Britt Leach, Tara Buckman, and Will Hare
Plot: After his parents are murdered, a young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa, due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior.
Review:
I know that in every 80's slasher film there's an old guy warning you of the danger that lies ahead, but there was something chilling to me about the crazy old grandfather warning young Billy about how Santa punishes those little boys and girl that are naughty.
This is definately one of the best films of the genre. From it's cheesey 80's montage, to the perfect song, "Santa's Watching", which seems so sinister in the context of the film. And of course in the end, Billy gets no revenge against his what I like to call his "LOOMIS", Mother Superior.
Great practical make-up fx and some really good performances, particularly that of Lilyan Chauvin as Mother Superior, round out this film well. And of course what is a slasher film without a Scream Queen, Linnea Quigley. Who has one of the best deaths in the film as far as I'm concerned and she is not too unattractive to look at to boot.
One thing to add here, if you don't already know. The single Anchor Bay uncut edition transfer does have a few problems with darkening in some scenes. But it's not that bad in my opinion, ceratinly didn't halt any of the enjoyment of watching it again.
So go and check it out if you haven't seen it, or even if you have. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.