Watch You Better Watch Out

You Better Watch Out is a holiday horror-comedy film that was released in 1980. The movie is directed by Lewis Jackson and stars Brandon Maggart, Jeffrey DeMunn, and Dianne Hull. You Better Watch Out is also known as Christmas Evil in some regions. The plot revolves around the character of Harry, played by Maggart, who becomes obsessed with the idea of Santa Claus and starts to believe that he is the man himself.

The story is set in suburban America during the Christmas season. Harry Stadling is a forty-something man who works in a toy factory and is seen by his colleagues as a bit of an oddity. Harry has always been fascinated by Santa Claus and Christmas, and he spends a lot of his free time studying Santa Claus and making a list of the good and naughty children in his town. Harry still lives with his elderly mother, who berates him for his odd behavior and lack of social life.

Harry's mental state begins to deteriorate when he witnesses his company's Santa Claus drunkenly groping one of the female employees. Disillusioned with the commercialization of Christmas and his own workplace, Harry snaps and starts to believe he is Santa Claus. He embarks on a vigilante mission, punishing the naughty boys and girls in his town, determined to restore the true meaning of Christmas.

As Harry's obsession with Santa Claus intensifies, his behavior becomes more erratic, and he starts to spiral out of control. He dresses up in a homemade Santa costume and spends his nights watching the local children through their windows, making a note of those that are behaving badly. Harry's list grows, and his punishments become increasingly severe, leading to a final, unforgettable climax.

You Better Watch Out is a quirky and unique horror film that explores themes of mental illness, alienation, and obsession. It's a film that has been described as both frightening and funny, with plenty of dark humor to balance out the more macabre elements of the story. The film's protagonist, Harry, is a deeply flawed individual, and the audience is left to question whether he is a sympathetic victim of circumstance or a dangerous delusional.

One of the standout features of You Better Watch Out is the tension that the film creates. The notion of a delusional man stalking the town in a Santa costume is sufficient to make audiences feel uncomfortable. Director Lewis Jackson infuses the movie with a creeping sense of dread, and fans of horror movies will delight in the suspenseful build-up to the film's climax.

The movie also features a well-crafted score by composer Fred Myrow, which adds to the suspenseful tension of the film. The score is a mix of Christmas carols and brooding, atmospheric music that perfectly complements the film's themes.

The performances in You Better Watch Out are also worthy of praise. Brandon Maggart delivers an unforgettable performance as the mentally unwell Harry. Maggart's portrayal of Harry is nuanced and complex, with moments of sympathy and moments of horror. Jeffrey DeMunn gives an equally memorable performance as Harry's younger brother, who struggles to understand his sibling's descent into madness.

Overall, You Better Watch Out is a hidden gem in the horror film canon. It's a unique take on the holiday horror genre, with a well-crafted script, suspenseful direction, and memorable performances. The movie explores themes of mental illness, consumerism, and the myth of Santa Claus, making it a standout film that deserves to be more widely recognized. If you're a fan of horror movies, then You Better Watch Out is definitely one to add to your must-watch list.