kwlandry Underrated. Far from perfect but a really good, enjoyable movie nonetheless. Great chemistry between Applegate and Affleck, Affleck like you'll never see him again, enjoyable, but as he's far down the "Serious, Serious" road now, you'll not see him anywhere near this funny and goofy again. Fantastic supporting cast, Gandolfini is so good as the gruff Dad, O'Hara so perfect as the Mom and to Gandolfini's Dad, Macy as the granddad, and others, can't imagine a better cast. Really good lines peppered throughout, overlook the odd bit here and there and just an enjoyable hour and a half. Clearly there was some struggle during production to get this made, makes you wonder what it could have been, but also clearly why a good cast is so important, and what a great cast can do to save a movie even to the point of making it an enjoyable 90 minutes.

pemme001 I really enjoyed this film, and I think it is more interesting and certainly more believable than the ridiculous scenarios foisted upon us by the writers of Christmas Vacation. The performances by all the cast members ring true, again as compared to the aforementioned supposed "classic" National Lampoon production. The story makes sense, as set up in the beginning when Drew gets dumped by Misty, and Christina Applegate's performance is authentic. The chemistry between Ms. Applegate and Mr. Affleck is palpable and I was won over by their growing attraction to each other. The supporting cast, particularly James Gandolfini as Ben's "father" and Katherine O'Hara as his "mother" , create interesting, well rounded characters whose lives come together again as the result of the new family situation they find themselves in. bill Macey is very believable as Drew's grandfather , or "DooDah." I realize I am probably in the minority in terms of finding the film quite entertaining, but that is the truth.

letthisendnoah Pros:I honestly think this movie was quite decent. Not so say it was anything near perfect in it's every regard, though still, I found it captivating.It did put me in a Christmas mood, but filled me with a sense of sadness, or should I say emptiness.The concept of spending Christmas alone, may to some seem unbearable, (although I know of a certain someone whom finds joy in this even) since after all... 'tis a festive season.It takes a somewhat unexpected turn, (something you will have to wait and see for yourself) which is a good thing - dynamic aids in engaging the viewer, intrigues the viewer.I must say, I found myself (to some extent) bonding with "Drew".A family on the verge of collapse, a man who's only Christmas wish (quite the expensive one) is to get the chance to relive "the snowy bliss of his now long since passed childhood.Cons: Not much frankly... To me it seemed a bit rushed, wraps up a bit too quickly - who knows, maybe I need to watch it once more, before passing such judgment.Summa summarum: all in all, I liked it and believe you will too.

FlashCallahan Drew Latham is leading an empty, shallow life with only wealth on his side. Facing another lonely Christmas, Drew wants to revisit his old childhood home and possibly relive some old holiday memories. But when he arrives, he finds that the house in which he was raised is no longer the home in which he grew up. Inhabited by another family, Drew offers a nice financial reward that has the family ringing...First thing to know is, that it's nowhere near as bad as you've heard it is. It's illy and absurd, but hen aren't all Christmas movies.Your ability to like this, is how much you tolerate Affleck. This isn't Argo Affleck, its Gigli Affleck, and he really grates when he gets to his family house.When he reaches the front door, it's as if someone from the crew has pumped him full of glucose, because he starts bouncing off the walls for the next hour.Other than that, the rest of the cast are fine, it's not a particularly festive movie, but it rings a little message, and doesn't outstay it's welcome.a late night Christmas treat.