Some clever soul might have done something moderately effective with this idea, but Krampus is too dumb to be scary and too listless to be entertaining.

| Nov 5, 2019

Otherwise, this holiday-season fright flick never leaps far enough outside of its own box; the movie flirts with going full-on monster mash, with really cutting loose, but the mayhem is too little, too late.

| Original Score: C+ | Nov 5, 2019

The legend of the Krampus, often referred to as the shadow of St. Nicholas, is a fertile one indeed, but this "Krampus" - a missed opportunity for anti-saccharine counter programming - isn't likely to create many new believers.

| Nov 5, 2019

Unfortunately, the narrow scope of his story - which is primarily set inside the characters' abode - makes the film feel akin to a Christmas-themed home invasion thriller minus the surprises.

| Original Score: C+ | Nov 5, 2019

It's a pleasantly perverse idea with potential for grisly humor, cultural satire and the kind of murderous fantasies that run through all our heads when relatives overstay their welcome.

| Nov 5, 2019

It's passable when it hits its stride, but too black-hearted to feel like any kind of classic.

| Nov 5, 2019

Krampus isn't a nuanced movie in terms of character development, but the film does deliver a few narrative surprises that keep audiences on their toes.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 9, 2017

As Christmas miracles for horror fans go, this is one stocking stuffer certain to be enjoyed for many years to come.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 18, 2016

It's fun. Usually. With a super cast. But it's no Silent Night, Deadly Night 2.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 23, 2016

Krampus is the gift that keeps on creeping.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 10, 2015

Krampus is ultimately that rare thing -- a potentially really good movie undone by one glaring Achilles heel.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 7, 2015

Those who fancy a bit of hellfire on their Christmas pudding will find this a welcome respite from the seasonal diet of intestine-clogging goo.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2015

The fact we care at all about the outcome is a testament to the actors, and only the actors. But buried beneath the Christmas clutter is a much better movie.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Dec 4, 2015

It has enough personality and ambition that it could easily become an annual tradition for those who prefer "Silent Night, Deadly Night" to "It's a Wonderful Life."

| Dec 4, 2015

Although there are some amusing moments here and there and a couple of nicely effective scary bits, it is never quite as darkly funny nor as frightening as it would like to be ...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 4, 2015

The movie sends mixed messages. It's hard, but gooey, too. Trick 'r Treat showed that Dougherty has a mean streak (with wit), but with Krampus, he's clearly been charged with delivering a wide-appeal PG-13 film.

| Dec 4, 2015

A curious creature feature that's more unwanted gift than surprise package.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 4, 2015

Too many obnoxious relatives, evil critters and weak gags at the expense of fat kids and foul-mouthed old ladies.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 4, 2015

Lurches between treacle and terror as it stumbles toward a too-easy ending.

| Dec 3, 2015

If you love Gremlins but don't feel like rewatching Gremlins, consider Krampus a worthwhile diet caffeine-free alternative.

| Original Score: B | Dec 3, 2015