Director: David E. Talbert
Starring: Danny Glover, Mo'Nique, Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Romany Malco, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, Jesse T. Usher, John Michael Higgins, Gladys Knight.
David E. Talbert is well versed in fusing comedy and drama with family and relationships; with a growing list of movies like First Sunday and Baggage Claim, proving to be a talented writer as well as being at the helm.
This time round it's Christmas themed relating to many dysfunctional families at this festive, yet sometimes troublesome time of year. It's the first Christmas since the Matriarch of the Meyer's family passed away, and following tradition, the large family gather at the family home to celebrate and be festive.
As expected, no family gathering, especially of this magnitude goes without drama, as the family try to be civli to one another while respecting the family home and head of the family, Walter Meyer. All trying to survive the five day run up to Christmas Day.
It's great to see Danny Glover who doesn't seem to have aged at all and maybe he isn't actually getting too old for this shit. Though I kept seeing the Murtaugh household, half expecting a car bursting into the lounge or even Riggs to turn up eating dog biscuits. Alas, not.
Mo'Nique is incredible as the flamboyant, fast-quipping, verbal bashing Aunt May who does her best to keep the family in check but it's an impossibility with the clashes of egos and different personalities. One narcissistic ex basketball player, a control freak, the young up and coming pro football player and one running for congress are just a few.
It's well paced, and nicely shot with a lovely ambience to it. It's comical, with some laugh out loud moments but it's far from being the funniest film of the year and it could be comparable to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation but actually loses its festive feeling rather quickly, even the ending, though touching in parts loses any feeling of Christmas all together.
It's enjoyable, light hearted, entertaining and better than expected. Not quite worth the big screen ticket but great for an easy-going comedy.
Running Time: 8
The Cast: 8
Performance: 8
Direction: 8
Story: 7
Script: 8
Creativity: 6
Soundtrack: 6
Job Description: 6
The Extra Bonus Point: 0
Would I buy the Blu-ray?: Most likely stream.
65% 7/10
