What to Watch on IFC in December 2008

By Joanna Varikos on 12/01/2008

In this festive month, IFC presents Homicidal for the Holidays, where psychopaths offer another take on the meaning of "holiday cheer." Tune in December 25th and 26th at 6pm Eastern for two days of dysfunctional behavior from people who could use a nice, warm cup of eggnog and some fuzzy holiday spirit. Kicking things off: "The Deep End," starring talented Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton as a woman who goes to extremes to protect her son from a murder accusation. Then, check out "The Burning," about a summer camp counselor seeking revenge on teens who disfigured him, "Dahmer," based on the life of the infamous seriel killer, and "Buddy Boy," revolving around a guy who becomes obsessed with his neighbor. Rounding out the two-day fest: "The Honeymoon Killers," the real life story of a seriously deranged couple; "Gangster No.1," following the ups and violent downs in the life of a British gangster; "Ed Gein," who quite possibly could have spent a holiday with Dahmer; and, "Wonderland," featuring a stellar cast led by Val Kilmer, and based on the brutal murders that took place at porn star John Holmes' Hollywood home.

A series you may have seen here at IFC.com, "Wilfred" makes its IFC television premiere in the Automat on Tuesday, December 30th at midnight. In an effort to understand and become best buds with his girlfriend's dog, Adam finds himself imagining the pup as a misbehaving, foul-mouthed, pot-smoking human in a dog suit. This Australian comedy, which also makes its debut for the first time on US television, is unlike any other.

PREMIERES TO LOOK FOR:

• THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE Director Marcus Nispel and producer Michael Bay don't remake so much as reimagine Toby Hooper's landmark 1974 horror film, with Jessica Biel leading the fresh-faced cast. Premieres Friday, December 5th @ midnight.


• LAST MAN STANDING Walter Hill directed this action flick that brings "Yojimbo" to the 1920s gangster era. Bruce Willis stars as the lone gun playing rival gangs against each other in a Texas town. Premieres Sunday, December 7th @ 9PM Eastern.


• CQ Filmmaking runs in the Coppola blood. After directing music videos for bands like The Strokes and Green Day, Roman, son of Francis and brother to Sofia, made his feature debut in this indie about a young American director who sets off to make a low budget feature in Paris and ends up falling for his leading lady. Premieres Friday, December 12th @ 12:30AM Eastern.


• DARKNESS Anna Paquin, who won an Oscar at the tender age of 11 for her performance in "The Piano," stars in this horror about a family who move into a creepy new home in Spain. Premieres Saturday, December 13th @1:15PM Eastern.


• MONSTER'S BALL Halle Berry won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as a black widow who falls in love with a racist corrections officer, not knowing he was involved in her husband's execution. The film also features strong performances from Billy Bob Thornton and the late Heath Ledger. Premieres Saturday, December 13th @ 9PM Eastern.