It was OK. It didn't give me that cheerful holiday spirit kind of feeling at the end, and there was no cheering and clapping when the credits rolled (like there was at the end of Christmas with the Kranks). Spoilers follow, so stop reading if you don't want to know.
My biggest problem with this movie? A main storyline revolves around Santa's brother (Fred) and his girlfriend and why he won't commit to living together.
ISN'T THIS A FAMILY MOVIE????
I realize this wasn't a religious film, or even a sweet, soon-to-be classic (it is Vince Vaughn, after all). I was also pretty sure at the get-go that we would be watching a secular, "gift-giving is King" kinda film.
That being said, I was very uncomfortable with this message of immorality being broadcast to a room full of families with their children who thought they were there to see a holiday film for families.
The worst part? The big payoff in the final scene is that he DOES commit to moving in with his girlfriend. THAT'S the happy ending to this Christmas movie?
How much more difficult would it really have been to write this character with his inability to commit to marrying his girlfriend? Absolutely no more difficult. At all.
It's a sign of our times. And I don't like it.
That being said, I was very uncomfortable with this message of immorality being broadcast to a room full of families with their children who thought they were there to see a holiday film for families.
The worst part? The big payoff in the final scene is that he DOES commit to moving in with his girlfriend. THAT'S the happy ending to this Christmas movie?
How much more difficult would it really have been to write this character with his inability to commit to marrying his girlfriend? Absolutely no more difficult. At all.
It's a sign of our times. And I don't like it.
Thanks for sharing. I was actually considering going to see this movie, but now I can skip it and not feel bad. I agree with how you feel.
ReplyDeleteShannon F
It made me very uncomfortable to be sitting there with my 2 kids watching that final scene. That's not what I've taught them and it was just a horrible feeling. Most of the parents & grandparents in the theatre with me (who I know, since they're all local!) felt the same. Very disappointing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angie! I'd've been furious at the end, too. How disappointing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I was actually thinking of taking the two older kids.
ReplyDeleteLinda