Review of Happy Christmas (2014) by Rwhens — 06 Dec 2014

First, let me say that I absolutely love Anna Kendrick as an actress (and performer in general). And in this film, it's a fact that the little two year old boy is simply fantastic. Amazing, really. But that's about all there is good to say about this film.

The unredeemable problem with Happy Christmas is that the screenplay presents a protagonist who is utterly unlikable, and is paired with a best friend who is equally unlikeable. The storyline is just a train wreck.

Depressing? Yes. Interesting or mildly important commentary on humanity? I'm afraid not. I was disappointed tin this screenplay. Perhaps it could have worked as a 15 minute short. I hoped to see Kendrick charm us in this role, and to the extent possible I think she does.

The problem is that the character - and film as written - just doesn't charm.