Four Christmasesby Jennifer M. ContinoReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 7 I’m a big fan of Christmas movies, to an almost obsession degree. I feel like I have to at least see every single one if not own every single one, which is why I was very happy to get a review copy of Four Christmases. Like other stories of its genre, it's a feel good holiday fare, trying to become an instant classic. The premise is that Kate (Reese Witherspoon) and her boyfriend Brad (Vince Vaughn) have a great life. They aren't married, but they have a wonderful relationship, that isn't constricted by things "marriage" would entail.They've even got a pattern down where they fool their families into thinking they are doing charitable works at the holidays, so they don't have to spend any time with them. However, when a snafu causes their families to realize they aren't going to be helping poor people in third world countries this Christmas, the pair are forced to spend the holidays with their families. Both Kate and Brad's parents are divorced, so that means four Christmases. And boy are they doozies! Kate and Brad have colorful families, colorful pasts and comical things that have happened to them; which makes the couple realize their life of bliss and perfection, might not really be all ideal. It's the funny kind of story that you can predict, but that also surprises you, at least a few times. Vince Vaughn continues to impress me with the roles he takes. Although some of them might seem like the "same" type, he adds different quirks and bits to make the characters have a unique voice. Reese Witherspoon has also been cast in roles like this before, but she, too, tries to bring something different to the table. What I liked about this movie was that it did deliver a lot of those "feel good" moments and had a lot of situations that reminded me of the zaniness in my own household. After all we all have one of those weird family members (or are one of those!) who always does the wrong thing, says something inappropriate and makes a crazy move, even when it's set up for him or her to do the "right" thing. We all have memories and ghosts of days past that haunt us and pop up at the most inopportune of times. So, it's fun to commiserate with people like this. I could see myself watching this a few times, which is always the sign of a good holiday film in my opinion. Written: November 30, 2009
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