Review of Happy Christmas (2014) by Grant H — 29 Dec 2014

Meandering entry in the 'mumble-core' genre that represents the best & worst of these films, in that is has some great acting but the lack of plot makes it seem pointless in the end. Joe Swanberg favoring a lack of script over improv does allow for some excellent performances, particularly Kendrick, who bravely plays Jenny as someone who is selfish & not very responsible, even if she's not necessarily a bad person.

The rest of the cast does fine as well, even Swanberg's own son, Jude, who manages to charm in his few scenes. However, the lack of any real plot makes the film feel like it has no direction and the abrupt ending is anti-climatic at best.

Some nice acting but rather pointless in the end.