Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker (1991)

After the last film failed to make an impact, this one goes in a completely different direction, with killer toys that seem to deliver themselves. None other than Mickey Rooney stars in this film (who denounced the original film), making his auspicious Nutshell debut in the oddest of roles, as toymaker Joe Petto. This one shares more in common with Puppet Master or Demonic Toys, which brings me great joy. Sadly, it ended just when it was getting interesting.

This was the last of the SNDN series, aside from two reboots in 2012 and 2025.

2½ malfunctions out of 5

Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (1990)

AKA: Bugs

Brian Yuzna steps in as director in a sequel that bears little resemblance to the previous three films (no guys in Santa suits here). It represents a clean break from the series, similar to Season of the Witch. In fact, this one also deals with witches, as a journalist investigates a bizarre burning incident, leading her on a dark odyssey. Even though it contains some cool, grody Cronenberg-esque special effects, it's clear the script was repurposed and Christmas seems to be an afterthought. It's so bizarre and nonsensical, it's to be admired, really.

1½ naked lunches out of 5