I love Jeffrey Combs, plain and simple, and the remarkable intelligence and charm he brings to his role as shopkeeper Rosemont is gratifying. The concept of the wraparound segment that defines the feature is fetching from the very start, and whatever else is true, 'Holiday Hell' boasts high production values through and through, letting every detail and aspect of the craft come across with vivid clarity. With that said, I do certainly appreciate the care put into this when it comes to elements like blood and gore, hair and makeup, costume design, props, lighting, and so on. Though sometimes over the top, I also like Semih Tareen's score as it adds atmosphere and helps set the mood at any given time. Visually, and from a technical standpoint, I think 'Holiday Hell' is pretty solid.
From there it becomes a tad more of a mixed bag. At some times the cast illustrates able range, physicality, and nuance, with some especially impressing in one segment or another; Cami Ottman, Meagan Karimi-Naser, Charnie Dondrea, Joel Murray, Lisa Carswell, and McKenna Ralston are all actors I wouldn't mind seeing in other features. On the other hand, presumably on account of the directors' guiding hands, it feels like more than a few of those before the camera are coerced into ham-handed, over the top portrayals that too often forsake subtlety and generally don't otherwise sit well with me. There are some good ideas scattered throughout these segments, but not always originality. The scene writing varies as it struggles with the same dichotomy as the cast and performances - sometimes dynamic and absorbing, at others blunt and flavorless. There are few likable or sympathetic characters throughout this anthology, occasionally making the feature difficult to engage with or care about. 'Holiday Hell' is regrettably uneven and inconsistent, with some points striking me as quite excellent and engrossing, and others contrived and middling.
None of this is to say that this is bad, or not enjoyable. Though not without deficiencies, I think it's roundly well made. The first two standalone segments, "Dollface" and "The hand that rocks the Dreidel," don't give a strong impression - and, I admit, are between them the most significant source of my ire here. But the third ("Christmas Carnage") and the fourth ("Room to let") stories are gratifyingly robust and entertaining, in contrast, balancing out the tales within a tale. And, once again, the wraparound segment ("Nevertold Casket Co.") is a great, cheeky bit of clever fun, not least of all with Combs as an anchor. In fact, I think that wraparound is written and executed so well as to help compensate for what shortcomings may present. More so than not I think this is a good time; I just wish it were a more reliably steady, smooth ride.
It won't be for all viewers - everyone has their own opinion - and I begrudge no one who checks it out and finds it's not to their liking. Yet while I had mixed expectations and didn't necessarily think much of the movie as it began, by the time the end credits began rolling I was quite pleased with the picture overall. Anthology films are always very hit or miss, whatever the connective theme, but I'm happy to say I think 'Holiday Hell' is, though imperfect, one of the better ones. One needn't necessarily go out of their way to see this, but if you're looking for a little horror fun, especially centered around the holidays, then this is ultimately worthwhile, and not a bad way to spend 100 minutes.
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