The Monster's Christmas
The Monster's Christmas

Movie spotlight

The Monster's Christmas

1981
Movie
47 min
English

On Christmas Eve, a nameless little girl reads 'The Monster's Christmas' storybook to her teddy bear, as something sneaks around in the trees outside her window. She hears a noise in the other room, and thinking that it's Father Christmas, she goes to investigate. She finds one of the monsters, who has come seeking help to defeat an evil witch that has stolen all the monsters' voices.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Frank De FelittaGenres: Horror, Comedy, Family

Plot Summary

A gruff, misunderstood monster named Barnaby lives in isolation, feared by the nearby townspeople. When a group of adventurous children stumble upon his home, they discover he is not as fearsome as legend suggests. Barnaby, seeking companionship, attempts to celebrate Christmas with them, leading to a series of comical and heartwarming, yet occasionally frightening, events.

Critical Reception

The Monster's Christmas received a mixed to positive reception upon its release, often cited as a unique, albeit slightly strange, holiday horror-comedy. While some critics found its tone uneven, many appreciated its earnest attempt to blend scares with festive cheer and its surprisingly touching portrayal of the monster.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its imaginative premise and Peter Fonda's performance as the titular monster.

  • Criticized for its inconsistent pacing and tonal shifts between horror and comedy.

  • Considered a cult classic by some for its quirky, offbeat holiday offering.

Google audience: Audience reception appears to be minimal due to limited availability and promotion. Those who have seen it often describe it as a unique, campy, and memorable holiday film that is more charming than terrifying.

Fun Fact

Peter Fonda, known for his roles in more intense films like 'Easy Rider,' took on the role of Barnaby the monster with a surprising amount of dedication, even wearing a prosthetic suit for much of the filming.

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