- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
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2 out of 5
In yet another film about the true meaning of Christmas, a warring stepfamily descends into tragicomic meltdown after getting together for the first time in seven years to celebrate the festive season. Cue a hit-and-miss mix of slapstick, pratfalls and acid-tinged bickering, as the stage play-based narrative goes overboard to be energetic and wacky, but ends up largely a puerile drag. Only long-suffering patriarch David Ogden Stiers brings gentle charm to the increasingly far-fetched events: his dry wit and understated facial expressions are a welcome contrast to all the exaggerated conflict. Some last-act drama finally adds realism and a more satisfying emotional dimension to the tale, before the humour incongruously returns prior to the credits.
Plot Summary
Seasonal comedy starring Julia Duffy and David Ogden Stiers. Tensions rise and secrets are revealed when both sides of a married couple's family get together over Christmas.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Audrey Wolders Frobisher
- Julia Duffy
- Max Frobisher
- David Ogden Stiers
- Brenda
- Larisa Oleynik
- Carey Krzyznyk
- Joey Lawrence
- Roger Wolders
- Kirby Heyborne
- Sandra Frobisher
- Kelly Stables
- Chinelle Frobisher
- Lauren Storm
- Kaye Frosbisher
- Michelle Page
Crew
- Director
- Jeff Parkin
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