Full Horror Short-Bits: Amityville Christmas Vacation (2022) by Steve Rudzinski


Director: Steve Rudzinski
Year: 2022
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Ghosts; Horror/Comedy

Plot:
Lured into a trap, a man is brought to the fabled Amityville house hoping that the murderous ghost living inside will kill him, but when they start to form a romantic relationship against the wishes of the host she resorts to whatever means she can to break them apart.

Review:

This was a spectacular genre effort with a lot to like about it. The main setup here relying on the blissful ignorance on his part to ignore so many obvious signs about something dark and malevolent going on in the house and continue to stay there not realizing the trap is a massively enjoyable one to not only set up the burgeoning romance at play but also delivers some fine comedy throughout here. These interactions are given a fun touch with the clueless naivete he exhibits, meshing nicely with the more overt ghostly antics that take place as everything effectively emulates the type of feel-good romantic comedies it’s openly mocking.

As this one goes along with their relationship turning into a strange paranormal proving ground as the absurdity continues, the sense of comforting comedy and genuinely enthusiastic heartwarming moments that build to the point that it requires other paranormal interference which is quite oddly handled coming at the end of a saccharine romantic comedy which just so happens to be about a ghost haunting a house. It wears its low-budget inspirations on its sleeve and is so goofy and over-the-top it won’t be for everyone but there’s still more than enough to make for a fantastic time here.


Overview: ****.5/5
A spectacularly goofy heartwarming horror/comedy, there’s plenty to enjoy here and almost nothing really wrong to be had with this one which keeps everything moving along. Those who are curious about the concept, enjoy this kind of indie feature, or are fans of the creative crew will have plenty to love here while those turned off by these factors should heed caution.

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