Review of This Christmas (2007) by Yvette G — 07 Dec 2008

Okay, I'll admit it - Christmas brings out the otherwise-well-hidden schmaltz in me....and I was in the mood for a big dose, so I rented this new Christmas entry. Thanks to some very good performances (along with a couple of rather self-aware performances), this little family dramedy is entirely watchable.

Yes, it's predictable. Yes, it's somewhat unlikely. Yes, it's completely harmless and even - yes, I'll say it - entertaining. Regina King and Delroy Lindo are probably the heaviest weight "stars" in this outing, along with Chris Brown who, though a neophyte actor, is a soulful and talented singer.

Delroy Lindo is solid, Loretta Devine is fine as the sweet, scattered, improbably-named MaDere - mother of the improbably beautiful Whitfield clan. I mean there is not an ugly - or even plain - face in the house.

Even the semi-tough loan sharks who show up to artificially thicken the plot are pretty! The supporting cast is nimble enough to instill a sense of real family connection in the story, even with a few weak links.

Still, for all its flaws, this little movie delivers the occasional sharp zing of "oh, no, she didn't!" sass, a lot of heartwarming family dynamic, some girl power, and a few soul-busting gospel songs in the mix.

There are so many moral lessons in the plot that they get tangled up in each other occasionally, but it's all in good, loving fun, so you can't get too annoyed. Rather comically, Lupe Ontiveros appears sporadically (and rather needlessly) as the Latina maid of this African-American family.

...not sure what to make of that. She doesn't really interact and just stands around mugging for a good deal of her limited screen time...which is a shame because Ms. Ontiveros can be snappy fun (Exhibit 1: 'Real Women Have Curves').

While I don't think this movie is destined to become a Christmas classic, it's a slightly better version of a Lifetime movie and gives you just about what it promises. The last five minutes before the credits roll are fun and will definitely make you want to get your jingle groove on!