Review of Happy Christmas (2014) by Tc R — 21 Jul 2014

It is a 'Christmas in July' tale from prolific writer/director Joe Swanberg (Drinking Buddies,The Sacrament) who co-stars in Happy Christmas as "the responsible sibling" Jeff to the irresponsible little-sis, Jenny (Anna Kendrick - Up in the Air).

After yet another failed relationship, Jenny finds herself moving in with her older brother and his wife Kelly (Melanie Lynkskey - Heavenly Creatures) in order to provide them with some "free" time as an extra set of hands around the house -- be it editing, changing the baby, cooking etc.

If Jenny were half as good at some of these things as she lets on, Jenny could possibly end up a decent person; but that she is horribly selfish would most likely be quite a surprise to her. While much of the film is one clearly avoidable disaster after another -- nearly all of it featuring Jenny -- the success of the film lies in the unlikely friendship that develops between the professionally-driven Kelly and her not-so-driven sister Jenny.