Review of Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation

Alright it's time for part four the reject that was meant to be part three. Apparently there is no indication that this Ricky is the same. At this point it doesn't really matter. Brian Yuzna has plenty of well known films of which I have only seen Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Written) and Return of the Living Dead Part 3 (Directed). Richard N. Gladstein who apparently had some on-screen roles in the first three films writes for this sequel. Arthur Gorson from the previous film returns as one of the writers. Woody Keith known for working with Brian Yuzna contributes to the script. Lastly S.J. Smith who also wrote the dreadfully terrible Children of the Corn: Revelation unfortunately contributes here as well.

This was so far off from what the original was. Besides the name, a character named Ricky, and a scene on a TV set from part three this doesn't feel like the same series. Now I can see why the filmmakers from part three declined this one. It's like Nightmare on Elm Street with witches. It's one weird gross out movie. There are some moments that were just uncomfortable to watch. One such example has a woman get bug goo dripped on her face in a very provocative looking manner. It tries to have surprise twists, but everything was just way too obvious. It could be that I have seen so many movies that some things just feel that way. The roach symbolism and such was really gross. I just cannot do roaches. They creep me the hell out. So I was uneasy through the whole thing which I guess is one win for the filmmakers.

Neith Hunter is one good looking woman. I think I have found a new 90s crush. She is also by far the best lead of the series. She has some dull moments, but mostly she was fairly decent. Clint Howard once again proves he is such a weird guy. It's hard to believe he is related to the great Ron Howard. This movie is all about making guys look like disgusting pigs. Although Hank does improve his behavior. It's a bit strange seeing as the filmmakers are guys. There weren't really that many likable characters besides Kim and later Hank. At least they got a couple of decent actors this time who didn't botch things up too much.

It's definitely one of those movies that uses a known title to get attention. It really doesn't belong with the Silent Night series, but as it's own film it's somewhat entertaining. It's really gross and uncomfortable at times, but I get grossed out when it comes to anything with roaches. The acting is not great, but it's far better than previous installments. It has a few likable characters, but the guys are portrayed like creeps for no real reason. It's definitely the better of the sequels I have watched so far.