Christmas with the Campbells

You might recall Brittany Snow from the Pitch Perfect movies. This movie had that same odd dialogue where characters say really odd, inappropriate or absolutely crazy things.

I am a HUGE Justin Long fan and I was really looking forward to this little Christmas truffle. But his character is really strange, like he grew up with the Amish.

Again - odd dialogue.

I ended up watching it all, attempting to jive with the vibe, but it's really not all that good.

That being said, it COULD have been good, perhaps with some tweaks in various areas. And, I did enjoy Brittany and Justin, even with his odd character.

Apparently this was filmed where it was really cold and there was a lot of snow which they used to great affect.

Also, it was great seeing Norm after all these years. NORM!

If you are adjacent to the Hallmark Movie phenomenon but can't bring yourself to fully dive into the trash pile, this movie is for you.

The negative reviews of this movie are particularly hilarious, because they make it abundantly clear that the reviewer is not in on the joke. This movie hits every ridiculous stereotype head on while showing enough restraint to still be funny instead of heavy-handed.

Julia Duffy said some truly outrageous things, with impeccable comedic timing. Justin Long made me laugh out loud more than once. The whole main ensemble knows their role perfectly but plays it earnestly.

In my perfect movie, Brittany Snow would've had a chance to show off her comedic chops more, but she did an amazing job playing the pitch perfect straight man. Occasionally the overwhelming horniness of her character's ex was a bit much, but it was tolerable.

Overall, hilarious takedown of a well-trod genre.

Christmas with the Campbell's is not exactly your typical Christmas rom-com. Definitely not Hallmark level. We have some raunch and multitudes of sexual innuendo, but no actual sex/love scenes.

It does actually have a few funny moments but it's mostly forgettable. Well except for Justin Long's attempt at sounding like some weird cross between Yellowstone's John Dutton and Rip Wheeler to sound not so nerdy I guess. It's so distracting. He's a likable actor but not when he's trying as hard as he was here.

Saw afterwards that it was co-written but Vince Vaughn which I believe explains the sexual content and raunch.

It's like "guy who bought a boat" got his own SNL movie. There are so many many bizarre choices, too many bizarre choices to not be on purpose.

"There are them smells"

Justin Long has really turned in something so special.

Brittany Snow does a good job selling the madness. The parents are right out of the movies Seth Rogen will make when he's older. George Wendt remains magical.

Peppered in are several "50 shades" level quadruple entendres about baked goods for the family focusers to avoid.

I can't wait to watch this at midnight at the Esquire.

Or it could just be thirty something American pie. I'm high.

I get that it's trying to be funny and there are a few (very few) funny moments, but it's mostly rubbish. This could have been a good and funny movie (the idea is there) had they hired a better jokes writer or something. Justin Long's voice annoys me the entire time. Why did they decide that should be a thing and how did they let it go on for the entire movie??

I wouldn't tell people not to watch it. If you want a background movie to have on while playing your phone then this is perfect for that. I wouldn't watch it more than once, though.

So pop it on, lay on the couch with your candy crush open and see how you go.