HITCHENS ON HORROR

Night 10: RARE EXPORTS - A CHRISTMAS TALE (2010)

It is Christmas Eve Eve and our next installment of 12 NIGHT OF TERROR is RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE. Made in Finland and taking full advantage of the area's beautiful winter landscape and scary mythology, this is a unique Killer Santa film, both terrifying and deeply funny. You won't know why this movie is called RARE EXPORTS until the end, but the final payoff is huge.

Night 9: 30 DAYS OF NIGHT (2007)

Night 9 of our 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR is about 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, released in 2007 and one of the most unique vampire movies of the 21st century so far. In a small town in Alaska, residents prepare to leave before the sun sets for the final time. For the humans who remain, the vampires are ready for a month of slaughter. This is a perfect horror film for a snowbound winter's night.

Night 8: JACK FROST (1997)

We continue our 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR with a direct to VHS gem of the 1990's - JACK FROST. This tale of a serial killer reincarnated as a murderous snowman is one of the great Christmas movies of the decade, as well as a hilarious, extremely low budget camp classic featuring terrific character actors and wonderfully creative holiday murders. Frosty as a killer. It's so much fun.

Night 7: MISERY (1990)

Tonight on 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR we're examining MISERY, the excellent film adaptation of one of Stephen King's best and most personal novels, directed by Rob Reiner and featuring incredible performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in her unforgettable portrayal of Annie Wilkes, the ultimate number one fan.

Night 6: 3615 CODE PERE NOEL (1989)

Next up on 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR is the 1989 French film 3615 CODE PERE NOEL, also known as DIAL CODE SANTA CLAUS, GAME OVER, HIDE AND FREAK, and DEADLY GAMES. The inspiration for the 1990 Christmas classic HOME ALONE, this film was not released in the United States until 2018, when it was immediately hailed as a Christmas horror masterpiece. 

Night 5: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984)

12 NIGHTS OF TERROR continues with one of the most controversial horror movies ever made: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, pulled from theaters after only ten days. It's regarded as the quintessential Killer Santa Claus film, with brutal and creative murders. However, I think this movie is still misunderstood and underappreciated nearly forty years after its original release.

Night 4: THE SHINING (1980)

Tonight on 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR we explore Stanley Kubrick's iconic 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King's novel THE SHINING. It is an undeniable horror classic, and also one of the best Christmas horror movies ever made. Anyone who has been isolated by a blizzard or intense snowstorm should watch this classic masterwork, brilliantly performed by everyone involved.

Night 3: CHRISTMAS EVIL (1980)

Our 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR continues with what John Waters called "the greatest Christmas movie ever made," CHRISTMAS EVIL. The only film ever written and directed by Lewis Jackson, this movie combines perhaps the most complex and human portrayal of a Killer Santa Claus ever combined with beautiful holiday imagery. CHRISTMAS EVIL is an underrated classic.

Night 2: TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1972/1989)

12 NIGHTS OF TERROR continues with two versions of the 1954 EC Comics iconic tale of Christmas horror, "And All Through the House." The 1972 TALES FROM THE CRYPT film starring Joan Collins was made first, followed by a 1989 remake episode for the TALES FROM THE CRYPT television series on HBO. Is this the origin of the Killer Santa Claus and the Horror Host?

Night 1: BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

We begin our journey through 12 NIGHTS OF TERROR with one of the greatest horror movies ever made: BLACK CHRISTMAS. Underappreciated at the time of its release, this Canadian film about an unseen killer stalking a sorority house during the holidays has influenced countless films since and spawned two remakes, but none of them have equaled its eerie power.