We all know Santa Claus (Theodore Bouloukos) to be the fat, jolly man in red who delivers toys to all of the good girls and boys–but this version of the magical man comes with a twist. He’s part of a legal battle, referred to as Rudolph vs. Reese, after a major mishap regarding his beloved reindeer and the man in charge of providing Santa supplies, Tyler Reese (Carson Alexander). Nothing about this case is simple, and there are twists at every turn.
What a silly concept–Santa Claus is on the verge of being brought to court because of a mistake that he and his reindeer have made. Director Erich Westfield chooses to approach this concept dramatically rather than comedically, which I believe is brilliant. Had viewers been pulled into the story, constantly seeing comedy, I believe they would have struggled to appreciate Rudolph vs. Reese as a whole–but attacking this concept as if it were serious, even realistic, allows viewers to genuinely appreciate the things that they see on screen.
Setting the tone early allows the rest of Rudolph vs. Reese to work incredibly well. Sure, I laughed out loud at some of the things that happened throughout the course of the short film, but the reality is that the level of intensity brought to life by each and every person involved creates a beautiful and effective balance.
In addition to what the actors, writer, and director bring to the table, the aesthetic of the film is altered as well, and it gives it a unique, but familiar look. Rudolph vs. Reese plays out similarly to most other crime dramas that the world has ever seen. Viewers can see bits of Law & Order and Criminal Minds present in the film–and to be able to harness that sort of power is a feat in itself. Well, what exactly makes the film work this way? It’s the altered hues, the change in color, and the darkness that permeates the entirety of the film. Rudolph vs. Reese relies heavily on its physical look in order to ensure its success. There are a lot of interesting and effective choices made throughout the course of Rudolph vs. Reese, but I think the decision to alter its physical appearance is what appeals to me the most. I believe that it has the potential to profoundly affect the film in the most positive of ways.
I’ve already mentioned the fact that Santa Claus exists throughout this film in a capacity that most of the world might not be used to. In films such as The Santa Clause and Bad Santa we’ve seen different versions of the man in red, and yet this rendition still exists all on its own. Bouloukos brings to life a version of the character that is manipulative, harrowing, even scary at times–something I had rarely seen before. Bouloukos’s ability to create something new, left-of-center, and all-around entertaining is quite the feat, and I’m incredibly impressed with what he’s able to bring to the table.
I had no idea what to expect going into this film. You hear the name Rudolph and you immediately think of the red-nosed reindeer, but Rudolph vs. Reese begins in such a way that it throws viewers off course. Even after the first few minutes of the film, viewers aren’t entirely sure of what to expect going forward. As the tone shifts ever so slightly, viewers are pulled into a riveting story full of emotion and comedy.
Directed by Erich Westfield.
Written by Mitchell Ward.
Starring Bradley Stryker, Theodore Bouloukos, Javan Nelson, Carson Alexander, Dan Berkey, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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