‘Four Christmases’ is the usual holiday fare

December 09, 2008
By Nicole Calcagno
A&E Writer

www.ew.com

As the holiday season approaches, it’s not unusual for a comedy about going home for the holidays to come out.  Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn has been highly anticipated for this holiday season.  The movie was not a disappointment.

Despite rumors of the actors not getting along with one another, the dynamic they had in the movie was great.  They were funny, cute, and almost cold all at the same time. They each came from divorced homes and had odd situations and basically lied to get out of the holidays each year.

After getting busted, they go home for the holidays. Four times. Each family situation was totally different, awkward, and hilarious. Everything that could possibly happen that is potentially embarrassing happens throughout these interactions.

The first encounter is with Brad's ex-military dad (Robert Duvall) and brothers.  The awkwardness begins right when they walk in and the brothers basically rat him out that his name is not what he says it is and then they attack and make fun of him.  After other awkward situations such as falling off a roof, trashing a living room, and an unknown $10 gift price cap,  they move on to the next home.

The stops just keeping more entertaining. The second visit is the mother of Reese Witherspoon's character, Kate.  The women in the house swarm Brad and flirt with him while dishing very embarrassing information about Kate. After both members of the couple have been embarrassed and humiliated, they move on to their next Christmas, pulling viewers along with them.

This movie has everything that is stereotypical about going home for the holidays.  The crazy relatives, the embarrassing stories, the awkward gift giving, anything you would normally think is stressful. Toward the middle of the movie, the mood shifts more towards a more serious tone, but the film retains its humor. However, there is also a sweet side to this movie and a good message at its conclusion, like any holiday film worth its salt would have.

If bound and determined to see a Christmas flick this season, try this one.  I give it 4 stars.