Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story

Nugget is Dead? Is a great Aussie Christmas movie! The beginning is a bit slow but the story picks up in the first half and delivers a fantastic second half conclusion. Overall, it's a heartwarming and funny film, with the perfect amount of lameness expected in a quintessential Christmas movie.

The acting is superb and production is quality. The cousins were my favourite characters. I love seeing more Australian movies, keep it up.

The humour is specific, so please don't expect an American Hallmark style movie. I hope this becomes a summer staple, this is a great one to put on with the family.

I thought it was a nice break from the cookie cutter, formulaic, predictable hallmark style movies. It's different, I'm liking Australian productions and this Christmas in Australia film is definitely that. I like all the characters in this dysfunctional, yet loyal and loving, family. The mom and Dad are great Infact I thought the casting was spot on all the way through. Shayla and Hassan were another bright spot. The scene in the car is hilarious. And nugget, the dog, is a treasure. I guess I don't really get the 1 star ratings. Are you serious? I've seen horrible movies that deserve a 1 star rating and this is definitely not one of those. Lighten up and merry Christmas!

I suppose the first question on everyone's mind, given the title is "Does the dog die?" You'll have to watch to find out. What I can say is that Nugget (played by Reuben) steals every scene that he's in. Ed Oxenbould is as always a pleasure to watch and I find myself wanting to spend much more time with his character in this film. So nice to see Tiriel Mora in a smallish role too.

Yes, it's a Christmas film and yes it's a bit overdone, not unlike the sausages, at times but I woke up the next day wondering what this family might be up to, always a good sign I think. I'd recommend giving it a go.

That most American audiences don't quite get Australian humor is not surprising, but what is amazing is the fact that a major network put this on in the US in prime time. Gutsy move.

Fans of Upper Middle Bogan and A Very Moody Christmas/The Moodys (Aussie version) will enjoy this romp. Nobody does dysfunctional families quite like our Australian cousins. It's fairly formulaic, but most Christmas movies are. It is the wacky characterizations that make these shows memorable. I already mentioned A Very Moody Christmas ... this film is very similar to that series. An exuberant family guided by love despite their diverse personalities. I love the southern hemisphere Christmas aspects too ... it's full-on Summer there during Christmastime.

I can say several positive things about this movie. It is possible that people who hate the perfect couples or perfect families all over Hallmark and Lifetime will like this family. I am reminded of a TV movie about "The Partridge Family" where Danny Bonaduce's father was so happy about writing for a show called "All in the Family" where everyone hates each other. The truth is there was love there if you were patient, and that's true of this family too. When Steph first arrives, everyone is happy to see her, and there are a few scenes where they get along. And I think people looking for a nice holiday will eventually be rewarded.

But this much arguing, especially at Christmas, is hard to take. Also, even though I don't like dogs, how exactly is it funny that the dog dies? Or does it? There is a lot of deception going on. And I misunderstood some of it and thought the vet was doing something inexcusable, something that would get her in a lot of trouble. I assume Australia has ethics rules for professionals. I did at least find the vet pleasant.

I did like the pretty holiday clothes. If you hate matching pajamas ... well, it wasn't like that at all.

Okay, I did like Randy, Steph's brother. And his friend Leon, who wasn't used to holiday celebrations. He tried to put up with it all.

Steph had a cousin who usually wore brightly colored exercise wear that showed off a very fit body.

The only thing I can suggest is that you either have patience or record it and fast forward to the end.