Review of Four Christmases (2008) by Valerie P — 23 Jan 2013

I love Christmas, and so I have watched my fair share of Christmas films. I much prefer the children's specials though; with their joyful songs and enchanting portrayals of Santa. With a definite few exceptions, so many made-for-adult-viewing Christmas movies are incredibly cheesy, comedic, and lame.

I was bored on Boxing Day evening, so I found myself watching this film. It began with a spark of potential, but before long the gross-out gags had begun. The slapstick scenes and over-the-top depictions of personal disaster rolled themselves out like a bad Christmas sweater. Any moments of heartfelt relevance were swallowed by these unnecessary and futile attempts to get the audience rolling with laughter.

To make matters worse, the ending was entirely transparent and cloyingly sweetened. I'm not sure if my evening would have been better spent had I just turned into bed early and skipped the whole ordeal. It was watchable, but pointless.