Christmas was always a favorite holiday in my childhood, in part because my parents were distinctly attuned to what presents would make me happy. This going as far back as 1964, when they gave me a still-cherished copy of “Beatles ’65.”
I bring this up only because the participants in “Christmas at the Kringles,” an unusually sour horror movie written by Zack Imbrogno and directed by Kevin Lewis, may be working out some past Christmas trauma. Because this is a cinematic stocking stuffer almost no one would actually ask for.
Ron Livingston plays Mark, who’s not thrilled to be moving to a suburb of Los Angeles with Julie, his chipper wife (Rachel Bilson), and son, Bobby (Jack Jewkes). One of their neighbors, Daryl (Donald Faison of “Scrubs”), warns them off the family next door, the gaudily clad Kringles, who celebrate Christmas all year long.
The Kringles have a peculiar way of celebrating, which includes kidnapping, drug-induced brainwashing and more. Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911!”) plays the patriarch and maintains his signature faux-suavity even at the character’s most unhinged moments. (David Wain turns up as a cult leader coming to the Kringles via a vintage TV, a bit derived from “Get Out,” only not nearly as effective or interesting.) Livingston’s performance here has a similar vibe to his exasperated Everyman from “Office Space.” But the ostensibly edgy mayhem drowns out any potential comedic grace notes.
Christmas at the Kringles Rated R for violence, language and possibly sacrilege. Running time: 1 hour 38 minutes. In theaters.
The post ‘Christmas at the Kringles’ Review: They Really Like the Holidays. And Bloodshed. appeared first on New York Times.
