Josiah Teal

Silent Night is held back by its time. In 2023, we’ve seen tons of Woo inspirations and imitators; even in his Hong Kong days, Woo could create action-filled cinema with some emotional resonance, but Silent Night can’t keep up. The final battle and stairway shootout save the film, but don’t expect the wall-to-wall action seen in John Wick.

Casting and premise are Haunted Mansion‘s greatest strengths, though many of the best ensemble moments or narrative choices are fleeting.

Mangold attempts to send Indy on one last adventure but never recaptures the glory days of searching for the lost ark.

Thurier’s direction gives the production its soul. His vision for Kicking Blood creates a visual motif invoking exploration and inviting the audience into a world of tortured, blood-addicted vampires.