ryanbigbro

I didn't really know what to expect from this movie, but it got under my skin upon the first viewing. It somehow manages to strike the perfect chord between darkly hilarious and horrifying at the same time. It grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. Filled with memorable performances, this cast was somehow able to create an onscreen chemistry that is rarely achieved by a horror movie. In our household, we have an annual Holiday Horrorthon instead of a traditional Christmas party. We showed this movie for the first time last year, and I can tell you that we have never received a bigger reaction (or bigger praise) for any movie we've ever shown before than we did for "Secret Santa." We never show any of the same movies two years in a row, however, we had so many requests for this one that we brought it back again this year. NOTE: this movie also makes for a pretty amazing drinking game, if you're up for it.

Has anybody out there seen a single television commercial for this movie? Or even a trailer in a movie theatre? I never saw anything about it, and I think that is what lead to such a poor opening for this film. Nobody knew about it. I find that to be a shame because a movie like this had a real shot at finding a good cult following. Finally, we have a true "monster movie" told very much in an old-fashioned way. It remained very true to the genre, and I thought this film was a blast. It never takes itself too seriously. It understands its fan base and accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. If you are a fan of fun popcorn monster movies, I recommend giving this one a try.

I am not exactly sure what I expected from Madonna's latest film as a director, but I convinced myself to go into it with an open mind. I ended up being impressed in every way. Madonna has a great vision. The film is visually stunning, and the performances are all convincing and powerful, though never over-the-top as might have been expected. Madonna has put together a great screenplay with just the right emotional highlights, and then she executes the overall picture in the best way possible. On the heels of the success of "The King's Speech," I think people will really love getting to see see the other side of the story. I truly hope people give this movie a chance. It is a diamond in the rough.