This sequel (with prequel flashbacks) to Once Upon a Time at Christmas functions as a stand-alone film. One reason why that enjoyable 2017 slasher
stood out from the crowded psycho-in-a-Santa-suit subgenre is because it was structured
as a police procedural, and the same trick works here. Schroeder is terrific as
the FBI agent searching for a link between the new victims (which turn out to
be not quite as fun – or obvious – as last time). At 104 minutes this is a tad
too long and could probably have lost a few of the numerous times when
Schroeder deduces “It’s an actual list.” Nevertheless, it’s good festive bloody
fun with Phillips and de Goede hamming it up gleefully and plenty of production
value on screen. Tanter pops up in the stand-out scene, a boardroom massacre. Originally announced as Twice Upon…, this was shot in Canada in January 2019 and premiered 10 months later in
Toronto. A third outing for Santa and Mrs Claus, One Christmas Night in a Toy
Store, is in development.
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