A Merry Friggin' Christmas

Every actor in this movie is amazing, but what a waste. The writing was poor and the character development was lacking, so they all had little to work with. Why would you cast Robin Williams as a racist, swearing, gun-toting jerk when he is amazing as a heart-warming, loving lunatic? Lauren Graham was probably the best casting in this film as the understanding, patient wife and Joel McHale was great as a sarcastic, weary son. But Candice Bergen was also wasted as a tired, docile wife. Clark Duke, although a brilliant, talented actor, was also miscast as a veteran with PTSD. What?? I would love to see all of these actors in a better film.

If you liked Four Christmases, this is like an entire movie set at Brad's dad's house, and that's a good thing. This is a dark comedy about a family with past hurts. We loved it. Disfunction is real life people. If you like Four Christmases, Bad Santa, or Surviving Christmas then give this a go. Life is ugly. Stop pretending Christmas is a just like a Hallmark movie and have fun.

First, let me say, this is the best Christmas movie I've seen in a long time. While the idea behind it seems to be a stereotypical Hallmark Christmas movie, the movie addresses the issues in a decidedly non- Hallmark way. It doesn't just resolve with everyone forgiving each other because of "Christmas Magic" and it doesn't treat serious issues in a heavy handed way.

While it has plenty of comedic moments, you shouldn't consider it a comedy. If you do, then it fails because, while the antics of the characters are pretty funny, it isn't a fall-off-your-seat-laughing sort of movie. It is a genuinely good movie about a dysfunctional family, children questioning the magic of the world, and a father who is desperately trying to be a better dad than his was.

It is extremely well written and the performances by Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Candice Bergen, and (of course) Robin Williams make this movie a must see for any Christmas or Robin Williams fans.

Going to start this review of by saying that the world is at such a loss without robin Williams as this feel good xmas comedy shows just how great of a actor he was. the film starts off bit slow but then once robin Williams character comes into the plot it becomes interesting. the plot is a simple one which I feel helped this film evan more and you can read the plot above in the info next to the picture. The jokes and one liners are great and funny and despite all the mishaps it gives off a nice message and just in time for xmas as let's face it films like "jessabelle, horns, dumb and dumber too" don't really give you a festive feel. So if you want a original xmas comedy with a great cast a funny drunk santa and a overall feel good film for this time of year then be sure to go watch this film.

As a Robin Williams fan, I'm sad to say that this, one of his last films before he died, was not a good one. This is not the film by which you should remember the late great Robin Williams. It is an affront to his legacy as a great comedian and actor. This is a forgettable film that will forever be overshadowed by his much better performances, and relegated to the dustbin of sub-par forgotten Christmas films, of which there are many. Now I'm not criticizing Williams, I think he was a wonderful actor but this film thoroughly stinks and, well, he signed on to play a role in it.

The writing was pretty bad and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. It felt like the actors were playing parodies of dysfunctional characters from other family films. Joel McHale was very dry and awkward throughout the film. His delivery did not come across as genuine and the scenes where he was supposed to be emotional felt fake. I felt the highlight of the film was actually the interactions between two side characters: Luann played by Lauren Graham, who you know as the mom from Gilmore Girls, and the always delightful Candice Bergen infamously known for her character Murphy Brown. There is a section of the film where these two, annoyed by the antics of their respective spouses, decide to drink until intoxication while reminiscing and goofing off. It is genuinely the highlight of otherwise dreary 88 minute mess.