My understanding is that BLACK Christmas is considered to be a cult classic because it is one of the first slasher movies; it laid the foundations for those that came later. Although pretty well done overall, it does have some problems. The film is lightly based on an urban legend - it concerns a Christmas holiday murderer who primarily targets those living in a sorority house. The killer may or may not be involved in some other murders around town, but the focus here is on the people living in the house.The acting is fairly well done by all of the cast, however, some of the characters are very one dimensional. We only see one side of their personality - the conservative virgin, the vulgar party girl and the inept policeman are perfect examples. There are others who are a little more fleshed out and have more depth to them, but the movie does suffer from that shallowness as many horror movies do.Unlike the slashers that came later, BLACK Christmas is very tame in it's graphic violence. Many of the murders take place off screen although the aftermath is generally seen. Although very little blood is filmed, the movie does have a fair amount of bad language so be warned if you don't like profanity or sexual references. It's definitely not suitable for kids.The film is really genuinely creepy in parts, especially in the interactions between the killer and the girls living in the sorority house. The ending is quite creepy as well.Parts of the movie don't make a lot of sense though. I don't want to get into any spoilers here, but lets just say that certain things should easily be heard when things are quiet. And of course, you have the character who stays and puts herself in danger when she's knows that things are quite amiss - one of my biggest pet peeves with horror movies. The film is pretty well paced overall which made it enjoyable to watch. Although some reviewers disagree, I actually did like it's final scenes but I wouldn't want to live in a town where the police don't think things through to a logical conclusion.If you like your horror tame, this one would be a pretty good choice if you can handle the vulgarity. There are other "entry level" horror films that are better, but this one is okay. I don't know that a seasoned horror buff who likes their movies bloody and violent would like it though.

"Black Christmas" is to this day one of the greatest slasher films ever made. Let me start by saying my favorite types of movies are Horror and Christmas movies. So I understand my opinion might be a bit biased. If you are a pure new age horror fan this movie won't be for you. The gore is extremely minimal and the use of jump scares are non existent. Instead this film haunts your core with it's realism. The idea that a crazy man has snuck his way into your attic and is stalking the women living there is intense alone. What makes that scenario even more frightening is there is no mention of a reason for this man to do this to these innocent college girls. The score is a top 5 of mine in cinema history. A great mix of horror and classic Christmas songs. The actors on top of it are amazing or a slasher film. You build a strong connection with the characters thanks to the amazing writing. If you are tired of the over the top jump scares and gore and would like a nice classic slasher to watch then look no further.

The definition of a cult classic black Christmas was the standard whodunit set around Christmas.While house sorority girls are getting ready to head out for the holidays they are being stalked by a crazed maniac.It may be a controversial idea, but I found it better then Halloween. It has a mysterious killer, a big house to work with, faster paced and better characterization. I felt like a kid hiding under the covers during some of the brutal scenes. It could be very creepy like when the killer would taunt them or talk about sexual content that I suspect he was performing on the bodies.The music even became an entity that reached a pitch at climatic scenes resulting in nearly turning my hair white.I can't say there was ever a dull moment. I watched it dozens of times and have never been bored by it. It always has the characters involved in parties or on a hunt and noting around. I nearly suffered whiplash.Black Christmas may be ignored by critics at its release, but now has the cult following it deserved.Special mentions to Marget Kidder who was a delight and my favorite character. Olivia before her Romeo and Juliet days and John Saxon we all know from elm street. Ask for black Christmas this December. It'll be the best present you ever got.8/10.

Black Christmas, also known as Silent Night, is a Psychological Slasher Horror movie and considered to be one of the earliest Slasher films in general. It's based on a urban legend about a teenage girl babysitting children who receives telephone calls from a man who continually asks her to "check the children". If that doesn't sound like the perfect Christmas flick for the entire family, then I don't know. The actresses are both gorgeous and talented, but what I loved most about this movie is that unsettling voice that you keep hearing through the phone. It's genuinely disturbing and I didn't even understand everything he mumbled. The contrast between the Christmas/ holiday spirit with the dark atmosphere works perfectly. The movie isn't really that graphic but again, that voice will possibly haunt you for a while. Another interesting element is that we look through the killers perspective, which allowed to killer to keep his identity secret from the audience. The Slasher genre may have become a bit repetitive but don't let that stop you from watching this classic. Now I'd love to write some more but I have some calls to make.