Violent Night is a thrilling and unique take on the holiday action genre. Released on December 2, 2022 and directed by Tommy Wirkola, the film follows a team of mercenaries as they break into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve and take everyone inside hostage. However, they are not prepared for the surprise combatant that emerges - Santa Claus, played by the always-entertaining David Harbour. Harbour brings a perfect balance of charm and ferocity to the role, delivering some truly memorable action sequences that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.

In addition to Harbour's standout performance, the film also features a talented supporting cast, including Leah Brady as Trudy, a character who brings heart and depth to an otherwise dark and bleak story. The villains, while somewhat one-dimensional, are entertaining and their deaths are both well-thought-out and hilarious.

One of the highlights of the film is the "Home Alone for adults" scene, which truly elevates the film to great. The movie does reference a lot of other films, which some may see as a positive or a negative, but ultimately it stands well on its own. The action sequences are well-crafted and over the top, with creative kills and plenty of blood. The humor is hit-or-miss, but those who enjoy goofy, dumb humor will likely find it entertaining.

But beyond the surface-level entertainment value, there are also deeper themes at play in Violent Night. The film explores the idea of redemption and the power of second chances, as Santa Claus embarks on a mission to save the hostages and redeem himself for his past mistakes. The film also touches on the theme of the true meaning of Christmas, as Santa tries to impart the importance of love and family to the mercenary team and the hostages.

Overall, Violent Night is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking film that combines elements of holiday cheer with brutal violence and clever humor. It may not win a bunch of awards, but it's sure to become a holiday classic for action movie fans, and it's a perfect pairing with Krampus for a double feature. If you're in the mood for a silly, holiday-themed action film with some deeper themes, Violent Night is a real treat.