Co-written and co-directed by Robert Livings and Randy Nundlall Jr., The Christmas Tapes is a Christmassy horror anthology movie that starts off with a bold move . . . providing an important role for Greg Sestero. That might seem a bit harsh, as he's certainly not the worst part of that infamously awful film, The Room, he may always be closely associated with, but it's worth mentioning at the very start of this review. Because it a) shows the faith that the film-makers have in their material, and b) warns viewers that they will have another chance to figure out exactly how they feel about the acting abilities of Sestero.
Sestero plays a visitor who ends up at the house of a family about to celebrate Christmas Eve. Before anyone can say "there's no room at the inn", he has taken charge of the situation, has everyone cowering in terror, and takes time to present his captive audience with a number of amateur video recordings. The first concerns a couple who go camping in the wrong neck of the woods, the second shows a man about to be delivered as a Christmas gift to his kids, by a man dressed as Santa, and the final tape shows a couple struggling to figure out the best way to clear their home of what may be a dangerous spirit. There's one other little story shoehorned in there, but it's so weak that it's not worth spending much time on. Thankfully, it's mercifully brief, but that makes it all the more surprising that it was included.
While not exactly overflowing with familiar faces, this is a film with a cast that generally acquits themselves well to what is asked of them. Sestero, for better or worse, is a name, and he's one of three used throughout the film to give viewers someone to recognise. The biggest, certainly to genre fans, is Vernon Wells, who enjoys himself as the potential delivery man dressed up as Santa Claus. You also get Dave Sheridan, stealing a number of scenes, and almost the entire movie, in the role of Paranormal Perry, a character who plays an integral role in the final tale. I am not highlighting these actors to diminish the work done by others. It's just that Livings and Nundlall Jr. seem to have deliberately planned these "special appearances" to help the pacing of the film, as well as making good use of them in roles that allow them to have fun without straying too far from their comfort zones.
Although this is an anthology movie that doesn't have the risk of too many cooks spoiling the broth, it's interesting that every short tale feels unique. I wouldn't say there's anything here that stands out as being great, but nothing stands out as being awful either (some dodgy CGI and that super-short, almost plotless, story aside). This is a surprisingly solid piece of work. It's maybe not good enough to warrant repeat viewings, or even a glowing recommendation, but I enjoyed it while it was on, and I am inclined to check out anything else from Livings and Nundlall Jr.
Audio quality is inconsistent, but never terrible, and it's a shame that the format basically ensures that the visuals lack any great style or flourishes, but there’s enough fun and creativity here to make it worthwhile. I am not sure if anyone will remember it in a few years time, but it’s always good to have a new festive horror to mix in amongst the numerous established favourites.
6/10
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