Twas the night before Christmas and all through the place. Hollywood is back with yet another horror remake!

The producers of the highly successful Final Destination franchise are breathing new life into the 1974 classic Black Christmas. The original is considered by many to be the first and best in the slasher film genre. The remake consists of a bevy of beautiful starlets and even one of the stars from the original film.

The story centers on psycho killer Billy Lenz, who grew up in an attic…literally! He was born to a deadbeat mom who eventually killed his father. After witnessing his father’s murder, Billy is locked in the attic while his mom sets up shop with her new husband and new baby girl.

The neglect and mistreatment boils over into rage. Billy escapes from the attic on Christmas Eve and brutally kills his family. To celebrate his freedom, Billy makes Christmas cookies, giving mom’s recipe a gruesome new ingredient.

15 years have past and the old Lenz house is being occupied by a sorority. A severe snow storm strands a number of the girls in the house. Unfortunately for them, Billy breaks out of an insane asylum and wants to go home for the holidays.

I should be ashamed. I’m a huge horror fan, but I’ve never seen the original. That film did wonders for the genre. After seeing this remake, I have to dust off my Blockbuster card to see where this story began.

I was delightfully surprised by this new movie. Recent slasher films have been mediocre at best. This one isn’t a complete touchdown, but it is at least a field goal.

A wicked blend of horror and dark comedy. Some of the one-liners had me in stitches. Adding to the mix, a well thought out back story and an insane and brutal method of killing. If you have seen the promos, the black eyes give you an idea. There is a plot twist that may throw you for a loop. I was aware of the twist…Damn you, Internet Movie Database! Even though I knew the plot spoilers, I still found the movie entertaining.

A bit gruesome in some sections, but what do you expect from the Final Destination people. See this one with a crowd. You are guaranteed a couple of screams and a lot of laughter, although some I’m sure was unintentional? Happy Horridays!