Very few filmmakers can pull together an anthology as enjoyable as this…kudos to the ongoing talent of all involved, in particular – P.J. Starks who continues to bring the blood and thrills to everything he touches.

I am not a huge fan of anthologies, especially when the shorts blend into each other, bleeding from hype to gore without any substance. 13 Slays Till Xmas is an enlightening change.

You like monsters? Check.
You like creepy dolls? Check.
Clowns? Check.
Fan of serial killers? Check.
Or, you just enjoy a good, blood-soaked crazy holiday gathering? Check.
This has it all and then some.

Christmas is not only a time of joy and celebration…it also stirs up some deep rooted depression, anxiety and even evil thoughts. Each of the stories in 13 Slays touches upon just that – terrifying holiday situations. Some with the much needed humor, some with supernatural overtones, but all will resonate with a certain sense of dismay.

The main story includes a few “rejects” in the local tavern, drinking on Christmas Eve: a priest, a police officer, a high school teacher, a mall Santa, etc.  Each ready to share his/her own scariest holiday urban legend to upstage the next. And the stories start off strong, beginning with “Like a Family” featuring the incredible Julie Streble as a sister who reluctantly agrees to go back to her family’s home and decorate the house for Christmas. Unfortunately, her sister Dani has changed…somewhat. And within the 3-4 min story, it’s pure terror and fear for Streble.

There are several predictable tales (“Dead Air” and “One More Gift”) and a few not so strong clips (“Jingle Bellz” and “The Killer Caribou”) but on the whole, a very solid delivery of various horror stories bring the anthology together, creating a chilling ending that one may not anticipate. Not to mention a fabulous kill scene with the help of a broken beer bottle. Ouch. Fun for the whole family!