We’re big fans of the American Genre Film Archive and their continuing mission to breathe new life in to previously forgotten genre and cult films, and they’ve got one hell of a Christmas surprise in store for us: the 1989 French curio Dial Code Santa Claus. It came out a year before Home Alone, and is a whole lot like that film. What separates the two is, well, the requisite blood and guts that make a cult classic like this so special. It’s John Wick meets Rambo meets Home Alone, and who in their right mind is going to say no to that? A Grinch, that’s who!
Take a look at this shit:
Here’s a bit of background and a plot synopsis from the good folks at the AFGA:
Previously only available via VHS bootlegs — and a huge audience smash at Fantastic Fest 2018 — ‘Dial Code Santa Claus’ (aka ‘Deadly Games’ and ‘3615 Code Pere Noel’) is an enormous discovery. Made a year before ‘Home Alone’ (which, suspiciously, has almost the same plot), ‘Dial Code’ is way more stylized and bloodier.
Thomas is a typical 1980s kid: he loves Rambo, computers, role-playing games and his dog. While mom’s away at the office on Xmas Eve, Thomas and his grandfather are left home alone — perfect timing for a disgruntled, perverted, bloodthirsty Santa Claus to raid the home down the chimney. But Hell hath no fury like a mulleted ten-year-old with an arsenal of toys!
Now, if you’re not near an Alamo Drafthouse (whom the AFGA are closely linked), don’t worry too much: Other theaters are getting copies of this (you can find a full list of participating theaters over at Birth Movies Death). If you’re local to Boston, you’re also in luck: Our pals at Boston Underground Film Festival have organized a screening of this at the Somerville Theatre on December 19 as a part of their Dispatches from the Underground series. In any case, this bloody holiday treat should not be missed.
BUFF PRESENTS: ‘DIAL CODE SANTA CLAUS’ :: Wednesday, December 19 at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA :: $10, all ages :: Tickets :: Featured image via the AFGA.