Is it possible that a horror movie could be so bad it is funny? If you were going to make up a spooky story at a campfire, this would be it. Barely average in every respect: acting, dialogue, plot line, filming, etc. It is particularly funny how the corpses are still breathing. The guy with the ax is a wild swinging nutcase who is careful enough to hit the right spot on a victim's chest, you know, where the fake blood bag is. The movie has the stereotypes, smooching teens, giggling girls, slutty night clubs, four level words, white lives crumbling, freaky relatives, a sheriff with a history of drinking, the town mayor more interested in votes and money. So bring it on and have a good laugh. A little more melodrama and it would be full on!
17 Reviews
It's bad
kevin_robbins8 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Once Upon a Time at Christmas (2017) is currently available for free on Hulu. The storyline for this picture involves a killing spree in a small town by Mr. And Mrs. Clause tied to the classic Christmas Song , The 12 Days of Christmas . Can the police solve the case before the killing spree comes together and Mr. And Mrs. Clause complete their mission? This movie is directed by Paul Tanter (No Easy Days and Jack Falls) and was made with a $1,000,000 budget. This movie stars Sayla de Goede (Watchmen), Simon Phillips (No Easy Days), Yana Gold (Lucky Day), Jeff Ellenberger (No Easy Days) and Devon Collins (Firecrackers). The storyline for this movie is like a Christmas version of Suicide Squad and depicts Santa as a Joker-like character and Mrs. Clause as Harley Quinn (with baseball bat and everything). Even how the two villains meet is very much like Suicide Squad. Some of the kill scenes are fun and random, like the scene that Santa asks if he's the girls boyfriend and then hits him with an ax to the chest as soon as he says yes, lol, don't think he saw that coming. Overall, this movie is rediculous and should not have been written and presented this way...but I still enjoyed watching it. It's bad, I'd score it a 4/10, but not a waste of time if you're looking for something random to watch.
The Girls Smile When They Die!!
The_Hallow13 December 2017
The acting is terrible from most of the cast especially from the victims. Aside from the painful obvious cartoon-like CG blood, most of the victims who are being murdered have this half smirk/smile as they die or as they're dead. It takes away from the movie more than anything. The only good part from this is the boonies like Santa Claus. He at least acted well, but not Mrs Claus, she was like a porn hybrid of Mrs Claus and Suicide Squad's Harley Quinn and not in a good way.
I give this a big 0.
metalwarrior-3010225 December 2019
I am not going to write a in depth long review of this movie because a few words will sum it all up, it sucks. im glad it was free on VUDU because I would really hate to spend any on it, even a penny....it was that awful. The story was horrible. The acting was really horrible. it was not scary at all....so do yourself a big favor, pass on this...i wouldn't even watch this garbage even if i didnt have anything to do, I rather sit and look at a wall for 2 hours than watch 15 minutes of this pile of poop.
Dumb
benallyalanna25 December 2020
Don't waste your time
chloepateeee22 December 2020
Horrible acting paired with a predictable plot and unnatural dialog makes this movie very unpleasant. Don't waste your time with this one, you could probably figure out exactly whats gonna happen in the first 10 minutes and I have never heard so many clunky and uncomfortable conversations in one movie before. Absolutely awful in every way.
I'd rather get a lump of coal for Christmas then this movie
andrewcooper23 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Easily one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The acting is laughable, the CGI blood splatter effects are absolutely horrible, the film is shot like an absolute mess, and none of the characters are worth even caring about.
The only thing it had going for it was the pattern of the killings which the worst police force in all of America were completely oblivious to. Mrs. Claus was a complete rip off of Harley Quinn from DC comics which drew the comparison of Nick Conway/Santa Claus to the Joker. With that in mind the end scene is a complete rip off of the Rachel/Harvey Dent scene from The Dark Knight.
This movie is pure garbage and comparing it to any of the other Christmas horror movies out there tarnishes them all. At least some joy or amusement can be found in movies like the Gingerdead Man. This movie just felt cheap and uninspired.
The only thing it had going for it was the pattern of the killings which the worst police force in all of America were completely oblivious to. Mrs. Claus was a complete rip off of Harley Quinn from DC comics which drew the comparison of Nick Conway/Santa Claus to the Joker. With that in mind the end scene is a complete rip off of the Rachel/Harvey Dent scene from The Dark Knight.
This movie is pure garbage and comparing it to any of the other Christmas horror movies out there tarnishes them all. At least some joy or amusement can be found in movies like the Gingerdead Man. This movie just felt cheap and uninspired.
Killing spree at Christmas
TheLittleSongbird10 June 2018
'Once Upon a Time at Christmas' drew me into seeing it, with a cool poster/cover, an slightly intriguing premise and as someone with a general appreciation for horror. That it was low-budget, which from frequent personal experience is rarely a good sign due to that there are so many poor ones out there, made me though apprehensive.
It is sadly however yet another film seen recently, hence some reiteration because the exact same strengths and flaws those films have are present here, that to me was incredibly disappointing considering its potential which it doesn't do anywhere near enough with. 'Once Upon a Time at Christmas' is terrible, with a plethora of problems (huge ones too) and doesn't do enough with its potential, which was hardly small. There is next to nothing to recommend.
Lets start with the positives. The scenery and lighting are atmospheric and spooky. Simon Phillips does his best as Santa and tries to create a creepy presence and mostly somehow is successful.
Unfortunately, the scenery and lighting are not done justice by the rather direct to video schlocky way it's shot and edited, it was very clear that the film was made in a rush with no care or enthusiasm. The bathroom scene especially looks terrible.
Going on further to the negatives, the story does feel paper thin, disjointed and over-stretched and some of it feels vague, under-explained in the last third where the film especially became duller, more predictable, more senseless and less scary. Too many characters are too sketchy and with nowhere near enough to make one want to endear to them. Their annoying and illogical decision making and behaviours frustrates.
Making the film feel bland and forgettable with not enough heart put into it. The effects are ropy at best, the sound quality is obvious and utilised cheaply (being too loud in the build ups and people's reactions) and it's best not mentioning the uniformly lumbering and histrionic acting. The acting for Mrs Claus is a painful example of the latter and many of the victims act inappropriately in the kills.
Dialogue, which is far too exposition-heavy, can be stilted and rambling, with lots of clichés and no depth whatsoever, while the pace goes to a standstill very quickly and drags on forever with very little going on worth caring about and useless padding, never recovering. Found too many the supposedly shocking moments not surprising or scary and the supposedly creepy atmosphere dreary, due to the excessive obviousness, a lot of dumb and vague moments and explanations and the lack of tension and suspense. Would not have minded the lack of originality (the film is extremely derivative and in a dumbed and watered down way) if the story and atmosphere were at least alright in execution, in reality they were both very poorly done.
A lot of 'Once Upon a Time at Christmas' has underdeveloped plot elements and often nonsensical and confusing character motivations, while too many of the things to make you jump or shocked are far from creative or scary and are pretty tame. The ending makes the film finish on an incomplete and confused whimper.
There is not enough threat, and what there is of it tends to be used poorly, it is completely unimaginative and more odd than creepy, completely failing to show any sense of horror or creativity. The kills are neither creative, suspenseful or nail-biting, let down by terrible acting from the victims, characters not worth investing in and no real atmosphere other than unintentional humour. Some badly sagging momentum too. The direction is leaden and like their heart was not in it or ill at ease. Some elements are gratuitous to overused and abused effect, further adding to the cheapness. The music doesn't really fit.
All in all, terrible. 2/10 Bethany Cox
It is sadly however yet another film seen recently, hence some reiteration because the exact same strengths and flaws those films have are present here, that to me was incredibly disappointing considering its potential which it doesn't do anywhere near enough with. 'Once Upon a Time at Christmas' is terrible, with a plethora of problems (huge ones too) and doesn't do enough with its potential, which was hardly small. There is next to nothing to recommend.
Lets start with the positives. The scenery and lighting are atmospheric and spooky. Simon Phillips does his best as Santa and tries to create a creepy presence and mostly somehow is successful.
Unfortunately, the scenery and lighting are not done justice by the rather direct to video schlocky way it's shot and edited, it was very clear that the film was made in a rush with no care or enthusiasm. The bathroom scene especially looks terrible.
Going on further to the negatives, the story does feel paper thin, disjointed and over-stretched and some of it feels vague, under-explained in the last third where the film especially became duller, more predictable, more senseless and less scary. Too many characters are too sketchy and with nowhere near enough to make one want to endear to them. Their annoying and illogical decision making and behaviours frustrates.
Making the film feel bland and forgettable with not enough heart put into it. The effects are ropy at best, the sound quality is obvious and utilised cheaply (being too loud in the build ups and people's reactions) and it's best not mentioning the uniformly lumbering and histrionic acting. The acting for Mrs Claus is a painful example of the latter and many of the victims act inappropriately in the kills.
Dialogue, which is far too exposition-heavy, can be stilted and rambling, with lots of clichés and no depth whatsoever, while the pace goes to a standstill very quickly and drags on forever with very little going on worth caring about and useless padding, never recovering. Found too many the supposedly shocking moments not surprising or scary and the supposedly creepy atmosphere dreary, due to the excessive obviousness, a lot of dumb and vague moments and explanations and the lack of tension and suspense. Would not have minded the lack of originality (the film is extremely derivative and in a dumbed and watered down way) if the story and atmosphere were at least alright in execution, in reality they were both very poorly done.
A lot of 'Once Upon a Time at Christmas' has underdeveloped plot elements and often nonsensical and confusing character motivations, while too many of the things to make you jump or shocked are far from creative or scary and are pretty tame. The ending makes the film finish on an incomplete and confused whimper.
There is not enough threat, and what there is of it tends to be used poorly, it is completely unimaginative and more odd than creepy, completely failing to show any sense of horror or creativity. The kills are neither creative, suspenseful or nail-biting, let down by terrible acting from the victims, characters not worth investing in and no real atmosphere other than unintentional humour. Some badly sagging momentum too. The direction is leaden and like their heart was not in it or ill at ease. Some elements are gratuitous to overused and abused effect, further adding to the cheapness. The music doesn't really fit.
All in all, terrible. 2/10 Bethany Cox
Greatest film everrr!
daveyman1225 December 2018
This is one of the greatest film ever!! I've never seen such a great christmas holiday film than this. The dialogue is so witty and awesome written. The acting is on so high level, same level as Godfather & The Dark Knight. And the thrilling OMG wow, more thrilling than Hitchcock! This film has everything from great performance to Lucas like special effects and GCI effects.
Eye candy to the very first minute to the last!
Eye candy to the very first minute to the last!
A fun movie which you dont have to watch in season
s-bannerman1213 February 2018
Starting off with a scene of what i can only describe as a very Christmassy version of Harley Quinn, I wasnt sure what sort of film I would get with Once Upon A Time At Christmas, the latest film by Paul Tanter whose work for me was more associated with crime films such as the White Collar Hooligan Trilogy and He Who Dares rather than horror films (although he did direct Shame The Devil which fits perfectly into the horror thriller genre) Its 12 days before Christmas and Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause opt to go on a killing spree in Woodbridge, This aint no regular Christmas movie.
Once Upon A Time At Christmas is a lot of fun and doesnt take itself too seriously. Its also a fun reminder of some of the classic slasher films that most horror fans will have seen over the years such as April Fools Day, Happy Birthday To Me and even non holiday films like Chopping Mall where we meet a bunch of characters who we know the majority of, wont make it to the end credits (Im not saying if they do or do not, youll have to find that out for yourself)
Standout roles in the film of course go to Mrs Clause (played by Sayla de Goede ) and Mr Santa Clause (played by Simon Phillips) who are the Christmas Bonnie and Clyde or Mickey and Mallory
Paul Tanter again increases his game and delivers a fun film that is not just for Christmas but can be watched all the year round with a bucket of popcorn and the lights dimmed or turned off. and whilst I still do miss seeing a new Paul Tanter British Crime film coming into my watch pile, its always great to see something different from a filmmaker im a fan of. Once Upon A Time At Christmas delivered.
Once Upon A Time At Christmas is a lot of fun and doesnt take itself too seriously. Its also a fun reminder of some of the classic slasher films that most horror fans will have seen over the years such as April Fools Day, Happy Birthday To Me and even non holiday films like Chopping Mall where we meet a bunch of characters who we know the majority of, wont make it to the end credits (Im not saying if they do or do not, youll have to find that out for yourself)
Standout roles in the film of course go to Mrs Clause (played by Sayla de Goede ) and Mr Santa Clause (played by Simon Phillips) who are the Christmas Bonnie and Clyde or Mickey and Mallory
Paul Tanter again increases his game and delivers a fun film that is not just for Christmas but can be watched all the year round with a bucket of popcorn and the lights dimmed or turned off. and whilst I still do miss seeing a new Paul Tanter British Crime film coming into my watch pile, its always great to see something different from a filmmaker im a fan of. Once Upon A Time At Christmas delivered.
The most wonderful time of the year.
nogodnomasters17 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Another Christmas slasher film, because like zombie films, society never has enough.
The film takes place in the small town of Woodbridge, NY. The film centers on Jen (Laurel Brady) a characterless final girl. We see the local police attempt to solve the crimes which we quickly figure out (SPOILER) copy the 12 Days of Christmas. We get the why at about 70 minutes into the feature.
Simon Phillips has a minor role as an investigator. He lets us know "birds" is British slag for "chicks." A very important plot point if you haven't figured out the 12 days of Christmas by then. Mrs. Claus (Sayla de Goede ) was patterned after Harley Quinn, but falls way short. Okay film, nothing special. Will be another one.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Adult talk. Blood, not much gore special effects.
The film takes place in the small town of Woodbridge, NY. The film centers on Jen (Laurel Brady) a characterless final girl. We see the local police attempt to solve the crimes which we quickly figure out (SPOILER) copy the 12 Days of Christmas. We get the why at about 70 minutes into the feature.
Simon Phillips has a minor role as an investigator. He lets us know "birds" is British slag for "chicks." A very important plot point if you haven't figured out the 12 days of Christmas by then. Mrs. Claus (Sayla de Goede ) was patterned after Harley Quinn, but falls way short. Okay film, nothing special. Will be another one.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Adult talk. Blood, not much gore special effects.
Not-So-Saint Nick
SashaDarko22 December 2017
I would say it's a very captivating grim dark thriller / slasher, but with a few noticeble drops in quality. Some kills look really poor overall (bathroom scene is the worst offender, blood effects very clearly were added later in After Effects), the image in some handcam scenes wasn't stabilized, the ending is a cliffhanger (the sequel is already in production though) and also sucks, plus it was spoiled in the beginning of the movie for some reason, which was a letdown and I wish they wouldn't do that. The Santa killer behaves like a supernatural poltergeist (FBI scene is creepy but not believable anyhow), TV scenes could look more authentic. All local town characters are degenerates except sheriff and his helper, but we all know it's actually a good thing for mass murder killing movies - you don't care because you don't connect with such characters.
What's really good about this movie, is actually the plot and the way the mystery unfolds - it's really interesting to follow a story trying to guess who are the killers.
What's really good about this movie, is actually the plot and the way the mystery unfolds - it's really interesting to follow a story trying to guess who are the killers.
Not as bad as it looks
petkanasw23 December 2023
This is a standard brand B horror movie. It's really not much worse than most of the other standard brand be horror movies, but it seems to generate a lot of hatred on this site. Yes, the acting is amateurish for the most part, they lay on the blood and gore really heavy, the Maniacs sidekick is hilariously overdone, although she is rather sexy, and the special effects are cheesy. Probably, the biggest ham of them all is the guy who plays the mayor. Outlandishly overdone, or maybe a tribute to the mayor of the original Jaws movie. Anyway, if you're watching it for free on some streaming Channel with ads you can appreciate the unintentionally comic aspects of it as well as the intentionally dramatic ones. And you'll figure out the gag long before the characters in the movie do.
If u liked SNDN then this is for you....
theromanempire-118 January 2022
If u loved the 1984 SNDN film and it's first sequel then this is the film u are looking for.
The film which is as close as it gets to the SNDN films.
Although not as good as those films still it has what it takes to get your attention through the whole film.
Sure it has flaws as the police incompetense it shows is at least laughable but it's a film which tries to get itself seriously and that is an intresting thing if not something else.
Anyways we can put this in the top 5 christmas santra slashers together with the silent night deadly night films, santa's slay and christmas evil flicks.
The film which is as close as it gets to the SNDN films.
Although not as good as those films still it has what it takes to get your attention through the whole film.
Sure it has flaws as the police incompetense it shows is at least laughable but it's a film which tries to get itself seriously and that is an intresting thing if not something else.
Anyways we can put this in the top 5 christmas santra slashers together with the silent night deadly night films, santa's slay and christmas evil flicks.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
