Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin' Out

I haven't seen the original Adult Swim Yule Log, but I was drawn to the premise of a horror movie protagonist getting stuck in a Hallmark Christmas movie. After watching this, I'm happy to report that "Yule Log 2" met and even exceeded my expectations!

Following the tragic incidents of the first movie (which are briefly recapped at the beginning), protagonist Zoe is on the run, desperately attempting to escape the killer flying Yule Log that's after her. Thoroughly traumatized, she discovers that she's able to take refuge from the horror by entering a Hallmark-style small town Christmas movie... for a while, anyways. What ensues is a Hallmark movie parody-romantic comedy-horror mashup with a gnarly finale and a surprising commitment to treating the Hallmark movie beats sincerely.

The actors were well cast and turned in performances that were uniformly on point for the tone of the movie. (Special kudos to Michael Shenefelt, who was utterly charming and earnest as the Hallmark leading man, and who also did a great job shifting tones when the story veered into campy horror.) The writing was good, the characters were surprisingly likable, and Zoe's arc of trying to overcome her trauma was unexpectedly effective and emotional.

This movie definitely isn't for everyone - there are some pretty grotesque moments, splashes of Adult Swim-style surrealism, and very sincere Hallmark movie elements, which is a unique combination of tones, for sure - but this movie is consistently entertaining and well made, with some great jokes, charming performances, and a solid story.

As of early 2025, it's streaming for free over on Adult Swim's website. If horror movie meets Hallmark Christmas sounds like your cup of tea, you owe it to yourself to check this one out!

So much to unpack here, but two words first: Clumsy Hunks 😂 The intro feels like a Final Destination throwback, while the rest of the movie plays out like something on the Hallmark channel (which I've referenced in this review before they reference it as I'm watching the film), yet interlaced with some brutal kills. I don't know what to make of it, but it's entertaining and off-the-wall in all the best ways. At one point, the lead character tells her friend she feels like they're having two different conversations; I felt like I was watching two entirely different movies: it's so hilariously odd that you can't help but watch what's unfolding. Even my dog, who rarely watches TV, seems to be enthralled by it. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

My rating for the previous "Adult Swim Yule Log" movie was exactly the same. Those two movies are different though, previous one was more chaotic, insane and creative. This one is more coherent and well structured, also more typical and conventional for a comedy/horror. Id est, better and worse simultaneously, depending on your personal movie taste. Both movies are entertaining though. I liked this sequel, it's a fun ride, characters are likeable and it didn't drag for a minute. Fans of this genre will probably like it too. Still, this is definitely not a very good movie, and you should lower your expectations in order to enjoy it. It's enjoyable but not a MUST WATCH.