Infinite Santa 8000

Infinite Santa 8000 is a captivating blend of science fiction, animated thriller, and Christmas cheer. Directed by Michael Neel, this blend of post-apocalyptic action mixed with Yuletide cheer was released in late 2013. Duane Bruce and Tara Henry lead the cast and lend their voices to the gritty but intriguing characters. This film's unique storyline and creative plot twist engage viewers, holding them spellbound from start to finish.

The film is set in a dystopian world overrun by mutants, robots, and other unsavoury characters. Eight thousand years into the future, the world is a violent wasteland inhabited by cyborgs, mutants, and inter-dimensional creatures antagonizing the lives of the remaining humans. Although the film may appear bleak from this setup, it is buffered by the character we know and love - Santa Claus.

Hold on to your sleds, though! This isn't your conventional rosy-cheeked, jolly, and gift-bearing Santa Claus. As a result of the prevailing circumstances, the once jolly figure has been transformed into an eternally living cyborg named Infinite Santa. Voiced to perfection by Duane Bruce, Infinite Santa is the hero of this future world who battles evil overlords and protects the innocent. His bounty of choice is not coal for bad children, but fists for bad monsters.

Contrastingly, Tara Henry voices a little girl named Martha, who's somehow managed to survive in this terrifying world. She is a prime example of purity and innocence, singing Christmas carols amidst the madness, and clinging to the hope of a better tomorrow. Martha becomes pivotal in reminding Infinite Santa of his inherent goodness and brings out his suppressed jolliness under the rough and tough exterior.

Michael Neel directs the movie with a creative vibrancy that infuses each character with depth, despite the harsh circumstances within. Although it offers audiences gruesome enemies, intense fights, and apocalyptic imagery, it maintains a strange sort of festive cheer throughout, providing a unique spin on conventional Christmas films. The story line walks the tightrope between the joyous aspects of the holiday season and the horror of post-apocalyptic survival with exceptional grace.

As much as the film stands out for its plot, it careens into brilliance due to its stylistic aesthetic. It is a beautifully animated piece, with sharp contrasts and vibrant hues punctuating each scene. This 2D style of animation gives the movie a nostalgic feel, successfully balancing out the innovative plotline and modern take on classic characters.

The backdrop of the story is hauntingly beautiful, filled with creative creatures and structures, making the cinematography yet another high point of the film. The new age neon touch, coupled with futuristic elements, paints an arresting picture of a world that once was bright and cheerful but has now descended into chaos. The visual elements add a further layer of intrigue to the narrative, giving the audience a clear understanding of the drastic evolutionary changes the Earth has undergone.

Adding another layer to the movie is the music, which is another device the creators use to evoke a gamut of emotions. It manages to be spooky, funny, and heart-rendering as per the storyline's demand, keeping the viewers engaged and invested in the narrative.

Infinite Santa 8000 is a unique ride that deals with serious themes such as the morality of scientific advancements, survival in desperate situations, and most importantly, the looming question of whether any kind of pure goodness can truly exist in a derelict world. This film could be described as a mad alliance between traditional Christmas themes, post-apocalyptic horror, and robust animation, making it a thrilling watch both for lovers of sci-fi and the Christmas genre.

To conclude, if you're looking for a conventional Santa Claus story, this might not be the movie for you. But if you're open to a creative blend of horror, science fiction, and yuletide cheer, Infinite Santa 8000 is a must-watch. A knee-deep noir featuring an unorthodox but appealing blend of Christmas elements and post-apocalyptic storytelling, this film is one that'll keep you riveted till the very end.