Krampus is a mild horror movie about a family who is terrorized by an ancient Christmas demon and his gang of monsters. I liked it for the reasons many likely would not: its relatively moderate tone.
Okay, maybe moderate isn’t a good word to describe a serpentine jack-in-the-box monster that devours children, or a group of cackling elf-goblins that raid a family’s unlit home. People are snatched away by blurry beasts in chaotic sequences, and the onslaught is relentless. But it’s measured in the way the ultimate Christmas comedy-horror Gremlins was, evoking fright and slightly twisted entertainment through imaginative practical effects instead of violent or comedic extremes. And though it’s not as unforgettable or powerful as Gremlins, it’s still a fun ride.
Krampus strikes a moderate balance in its characters, two quarreling families at different ends of the political spectrum. Adam Scott, now one of today’s best-known straight-man/everyman types, is great as the mild liberal father, as is David Koechner as his brash conservative counterpart. Conchata Ferrell makes for a perfect kooky aunt, and Lolo Owen and Queenie Samuel are quite funny as Stevie and Jordan, respectively.