Isn’t Christmas supposed to be a time filled with joy?

Yet in 2015 another movie director decides to take the one time of the year where everyone is peaceful, loving, and filled with Christmas spirit, and trys to turn it into some demonic, scary time of the year that no one wants to be apart of. I’m pretty sure that’s what Halloween is for, and even then candy is still given out to kids all around the world.

Friday, December 4th marks the day that a so-called “scary Christmas movie” is being released. This movie is known as Krampus.  Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who punishes children during the Christmas season who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. Regions in the Austrian diaspora feature similar figures and, more widely, Krampus is one of a number of Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe.

Now does this creature seem like its filled with Christmas spirit? Absolutely not.

Let me tell you a little bit about the movie. When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus “a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. ” All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.

But what I don’t understand, is that this “scary Christmas movie” trend has been going on for quite sometime now. A list of the top Christmas horror movies can be found here.

The only thing that can possibly be a success in this movie, is the cast itself. With out the strong cast lineup, the ratings for this movie would be at an all time low. Then again, this could be a movie that little middle school boys can take their girlfriends to since they will be scared and need someone to hold onto.

Michael Dougherty (the director behind this movie) was born on October 28, 1974 in Columbus, Ohio. He is known for his Superman and X-men movies. That’s why I was really shocked when I found out that he went from superheroes to demons.

I guess everyone has their wild side at times, and Michael sure wasn’t afraid to show it. Click here for the official trailer. The creepy Christmas music really sets the mood for the true meaning behind this horrific story.

Maybe this year it will be different, I haven’t given up on the fact that their is still a possibility for a well directed, enjoyable “scary Christmas movie.” I’m going to go see it Friday the 4th, hopefully it’s worth the time and money.