Welcome to Silverscreen
Can this Christmas tale still be cool this summer?
Writer/Director Thomas Bezucha was able to gather such a fantastic cast for this
Christmas themed romantic comedy. A whole family of well known actors including
Dianne Keaton, Luke Wilson and Rachel McAdams of Wedding Crashers fame have come
together to make this feel good movie which strangely has opted for the choice of
release 7 months before the festive period begins.
However it is not the snow on the family driveway that leaves audiences feeling
cold but the films opening acts. The main story of the film revolves around Sarah
Jessica Parker's character Meredith Morton meeting her boyfriends, Dermot Mulroney's,
Everett Stone's family. This is a great idea in theory and is something that was
conveyed so well in Meet The Parents. Here though the experience is marred by the
performance of Sarah Jessica. Trying to break free of the 'Carrie' stereotype
figure she made her own in Sex and the City, her performance here looks awkward.
Often I was left cringing about how out of place she was in the film and
unfortunatally not from a comedic standpoint. It must be noted though, that in terms
of the family itself Bezucha couldn't have picked a more perfect cast, if only for
the fact that they have played these types of roles many times before. Diane Keaton
slips easily into her dependable, loving mother routine; Luke Wilson the wise cracking
yet respectable brother. Rachel McAdams sits nicely as the pretty but bitchy teen
queen and Dermot Mulroney looks as restrained and mild-mannered as ever. Together
with a strong ensemble of family members, they are able to represent a convincing
family bond which for the most part is enjoyable to watch.
It is the second half of the film however and the inclusion of another big name in
Claire Danes where things begin to really pick up. An accomplished actress like Daines
is able to bring greater meaning to the film as it reaches it's romantic climax, with
a strong performance. As the film's plot threads begin to untangle, so the film starts
to become less awkward and more pleasent viewing. Daines performance to the film is
helped by Sarah Jessica begining to fit into the 'Carrie' mould once more as her
character begins to open up.
Overall what we are left with is a good romantic comedy where in places the romance
is slightly rushed but ulitimately rewarding. So then like all good families, there
are troubles, but in the end things turn out alright.
7/10
Extras
There is very little to offer here with the usual array of trailers and
commentaries both which add very little to the experience. However there are a few
short featurettes that give us a good explanation of why the cst was chosen for their
particular role. It seems that the film probably wouldn't have been made if Diane
Keaton hadn't agreed to join the cast. A second provides a humerous question and
answer session with the film's main stars.
4/10
DVD
Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children
Saw 2
Jarhead
Matchpoint
Fun With Dick and Jane
