The remake of “Black Christmas” from 2006 is a step up from its 1974 predecessor, though it suffers from what feels like an absurd ending added later on. Set during Christmas Eve at a sorority house in New Hampshire, the story follows students and their housemother as they are terrorized by a killer with a penchant for gouging out eyes. Oddly enough, this maniac seems to have intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny within the house—the attic, basement, and all the spaces in between. This version boasts brighter visuals and is generally more enjoyable than the original, though it also delves into darker territory. A strong cast of actresses elevates the film, including Michelle Trachtenberg (as Melissa), Lacey Chabert (Dana), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Heather), Jessica Harmon (Megan), Leela Savasta (Clair), and Katie Cassidy (Kelli). Glen Morgan both wrote and directed the movie, demonstrating creativity in developing the killer’s background and how he stalks the house's interior, observing and hunting the girls. These elements are genuinely captivating. The film's overall feel and conclusion, however, were negatively impacted by studio executive Bob Weinstein’s input; he apparently wanted a more sensational horror experience with exaggerated details. Specifically, the ending feels forced on and nearly derails the entire movie. Fortunately, some cuts of the film align more closely with Morgan’s original concept, particularly regarding the final scenes. The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, although certain versions vary by around 4-5 minutes depending on which ending was included. Filming took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, with the hospital sequences shot at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB