The Christmas season is a festive time of year to be with loved ones. However, for Max (Emjay Anthony), a pre-teen boy, things aren’t that wonderful. He misses the days when his family was happy and didn’t argue, but when he loses the Christmas spirit and has given up hope, Max’s world changes completely. Krampus, an enormous goat-like creature, and his creepy clan of toys, elves and gingerbread cookies arrive at Max’s house. His German Grandmother is familiar with the Krampus legend and says, “Krampus came not to reward, but to punish.” Not to give, but to take.” Now Max and his family must forget their differences and bond together to save one another and bring back the Christmas spirit.

Rating: 2 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: April 26, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

• Krampus is a strange but thought provoking Christmas film. The wise German Grandmother tells the family that Krampus took everyone in her family after WWII except her. She said, “He left me as a reminder of what happens when hope is lost, when belief is forgotten, and when the Christmas spirit dies.” Grandma also explains to the family that the true meaning of Christmas is to focus on others’ needs, not our own selfish desires. Great parent/child discussion.
• Though there are some wonderful messages, the film is very dark and creepy. See violent content below:

Sexual Content: Mild

• There’s a joke about squirrels “playing with their nuts.”

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

• A group of kids get into a fight wrestling and tackling one another.
• Krampus is a very large and very creepy beast. When he invaded Max’s house, he brought with him evil stuffed animals and toys, creepy elves and wicked gingerbread cookies.
• We see huge angels with bloody teeth, bears and clowns who try to devour the family. Sadly they do eat a child.
• A baby is kidnapped.
• Gingerbread cookies attack Uncle Howard with a nail gun.
• A character is shown hanged by Christmas lights, then cut down.
• The humans fight back and continuously shoot the evil creatures.
• We see Krampus dropping two children into a deep fiery pit.

Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

• The f-word is said twice. We also hear “sh-t,” “d–n,” “b–tard,” “a–,” “a–hole,”  “d–k,” and “b–ch.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate

• We see a teenage boy holding a Christmas bong.
• Aunt Dorothy likes her alcohol. She shows three tweens how to make her favorite concoction of peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate; then offers the drinks to the tweens.

Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

• Krampus will appeal to kids that like horror films.

Overall Krampus is a scary and creepy horror film. However, there are some redeeming qualities and noteworthy messages for kids. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence and crude language throughout the film. Depending on the child, Krampus is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.