Genie

Genie is a Peacock movie and our first Christmas movie of 2023 counting down to the end of the year. The film tells the fairy tale story of Bernard (Nardo) Follows who is played by Paapa Essiedu. Nardo losses his job and his family because of his workaholic demanding boss played by Alan Cumming. Alan's character was very similar to Scrooge from Charles Dickens novel. Nardo down on his luck opens an old box and out pops a genie who is played by Melissa McCarthy, she also helped produce this movie. Unlike most genies this one had multiple wishes and she helps Nardo find his ways. I felt I was watching a Hallmark made for tv movie but with corny laughable jokes. This was a good family oriented movie but I wouldn't watch it again.

Written by that prolific writer of usually hit film and TV productions Richard Curtis, this must be his idea of a Christmas stocking filler?

That is, it is light and airy and not to be taken too seriously, either plot wise or as a movie production. Its adequate, amusing, touching, and even laugh out loud funny in parts. Melissa McCarthy is its saving grace, delivering her lines with wit and charm, and emotion as only she can. The 3 actors comprising the family do not really gel together, the mum and daughter were not very well cast IMO. I think RC made the father lead watch a bunch of Stephen Merchant performances, and told him "act like that".

But it all held together well enough to enjoy as a pre Xmas movie taster, before you unwrap the real presents, such as Elf, National lampoon, A wonderful Life...or whichever are your go to Seasonal favourites.

A nice, uplifting, and enjoyable movie to watch on a cold winter's day. Melissa McCarthy is wonderful, as always, and doesn't overplay it here. Paapa Essiedu was tastefully understated as Bernard. Loved the NYC setting. The rest of the supporting cast was also excellent, including Denee Benton (whom I love in "The Gilded Age") as Bernard's wife; Alan Cumming as Bernard's horrible boss; and Marc Marion as Lenny, the doorman.

There are some humorous moments for sure, but those are tastefully done within the story. The story is somewhat predictable, but does not take away from the enjoyable journey. (One silly side story could have been left out, but that's a small quibble.)

All in all, a nice light-hearted movie for the holidays.

I just love these reviewers that give movies like this a 1 or a 2 and say it's "unbelievable". Would they also give a Tom and Jerry cartoon a one because Jerry hits Tom over the head with a frying pan, and "Oh my gosh!! The cat didn't die! That's so ridiculous!!" C'mon folks, this movie is like a big cartoon, with human characters. You pretty much know where this movie is going by watching the preview. But so what. It's still loads of fun, and rated PG so you can watch it with your kids. Sorry all you serious film buffs. No naked women, no sex, no swear words, just a whole lot of fun and "fish out of water" type jokes. Melissa is a fun title character, and Paapa Essiedu is the perfect "straight man". Have yourself a nice, clean enjoyable evening watching this one.

This movie isn't going to solve the world's problems but it was great for 90 minutes of holiday entertainment. Perfect fun for children and a couple life lessons are thrown in for good measure. Don't look for anything deep here including character development - it's all just fun.

Who doesn't love NYC at Christmas time, a fairy tale Genie who can help you with anything, a bad guy with ann incredible acting resume and a happy ending.

I don't know what the naysayers were looking for when they panned this movie , but I say take a chance on this one. Melissa McCarthy is her usual silly self and you can't go wrong with Alan Cummings.