This is a rare example of a sequel that's equal in quality to the original film it's a follow-up to. The Father Christmas from the first movie is abused by several dock workers and gets loose so he can embark on a murderous spree. It's up to three expert hunters to track Father Christmas down and kill him. Director/co-writer Jalmari Helander once again adroitly mines a fresh, inventive, and wickedly funny line in deliciously dark and twisted pitch-black humor (the safety tips on not making any loud noises, smoking, or drinking around a Father Christmas are genuinely hilarious in an admittedly twisted sort of way). Otso Tarkela gives a convincingly feral performance as the bloodthirsty and dangerous Father Christmas. Tommi Korpela, Jorma Tommila, and Tazu Ovaska are likewise credible as the ace hunters forced to take Father Christmas out like a wild rabid beast. Jonathan Hutchings' wonderfully deep and solemn gravel-voiced narration further enhances the deadpan comic tone. Moreover, there's also a nice smattering of grisly gore and an extremely eerie conclusion set in a remote woodland graveyard for deceased Father Christmases. Jean Noel Mastonen's polished cinematography gives the picture an exquisitely glossy and wintry look. The melodic and majestic orchestral score is also on the money fine and effective. Well worth seeing.
