A Sudden Case of Christmas

This movie reminds me of "Mixed Nuts," which for me is not a good thing. This movie is all over the place. So many plot lines start and don't follow through, the agendas of the characters get lost throughout the movie, the poster looks like a Christmas movie, which it's not. There's a lot of adults cheating on each other, so it's not a family movie. Just weird. I'd skip it. The only good thing about the movie is the landscape shots of Italy. I couldn't wait for the movie to end. Also, this isn't a comedy. There's nothing funny about it. It's definitely a lame drama. That was my first and last watch.

It loses steam as it goes on, though 'A Sudden Case of Christmas' is fairly good.

The cast are the big draw. Danny DeVito is obviously the main man, I always enjoy watching him. The likes of Andie MacDowell and Lucy DeVito are alright alongside the aforementioned, though it's Antonella Rose that is the star overall - a strong performance from the youngster. Adrian Dunbar has a small but memorable role, even if he is too good an actor for such a bit part.

It's not the most Christmassy of movies, despite the title. That's to be expected given how the story unfolds in fairness, but definitely something to be aware of if you're planning to watch this for the first time as part of your core festive viewing. It was released at Xmas time, but honestly a summer release would've been more fitting; à la the plot.

What's there, though, is perfectly watchable and the Italian surroundings look grand, at least. It only lasts for around 90 minutes, I admittedly did feel it drag a bit towards the end. More meat on the bones would've helped, the finale could've been something more interesting than what we get with the four-legged fella.

All in all, I consider this narrowly passable. 7/10.

This is a remake of an Italian film, Improvvisamente Natale.

Lucy Devito and Wilmer Valdarrama are Abbie and Jacob Randall. Though they normally visit her father (Danny Devito) in Italy over Christmas, this year they show up in August.

The reason? They're separating and want Gramps to break it to their precocious daughter Claire (Antonella Rose). She's very good but because of her character being in therapy, she talks like a 40-year-old college professor.

Claire is way ahead of them - she's figured it out - and requests one last family Christmas there in the Dolomites. This means her father's parents also have to make the trip.

The scenery is breathtaking, and it's really the star.

Despite the presence of DeVito, it lacks the hilarity usually associated with him.

There's a lovely message, and it's a decent family film, but it's no great shakes and doesn't feel all that Christmassy.

Realistic and heartwarming. The scenarios are breathtaking. Real life drama, makes me appreciate my family even more. Antonella Rose did such a good job and her chemistry with Danny Devito was the reason I would watch a sequel! When the puppy was missing and the way Claire found him it was such a special moment.

The guy that works at hotel was so funny. The ballon scene was hilarious. I would have jumped too, I'm so scared of heights, so I don't blame the dad.

I would say a cute, wholesome movie with good acting/directing and life lessons. If you like real story movies this one is for you!!!!!

This Christmas comedy from Peter Chelsom is a remake of the 2022 Italian film Improvvisamente Natale.

Abbie (Lucy DeVito) and Jacob (Wilmer Valderrama) are a couple on the brink of separation. They take their daughter Claire to her grandfather's Lawrence (Danny DeVito) hotel in the Italian mountains in August.

Only Claire senses what is about to happen and wants to celebrate Christmas in August. Lawrence and his loyal employee Otto go about making sure they have one last family Christmas.

They are joined by Jacob's parents who are also facing a marital crisis.

Peter Chelsom once had a promising directing career in small scale British movies such as Hear My Song and Funny Bones. It all grinded to a halt with the disastrous Warren Beatty film Town and Country in 2001.

He has never got his mojo back. Even though this is a remake, A Sudden Case of Christmas is a poor film that wastes Danny Devito. Not really Christmassy, not aimed at a family audience and not funny.