Christmas Eve (2015) Reviews

• Trying to repeat Love Actually?

  xlars2015-12-31

  I guess that this is as short a summary as I can write. And it does have certain of the same qualities as Love Actually has, which makes me wonder why people don't like it much. A philosophical high strung bunch of people stuck together, and how the story develops. Now what makes the story lacking a little bit, are the questions we are stuck with. You'll figure them out too, if you see the film. Christmas Eve has potential to being somewhat more, though. What about a Directors Cut? There has to be a few more questions answered in other footage that wasn't used in this cutting? Let's see that, next Christmas.

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• Charming Christmas Movie

  sandiegocat2016-01-04

  Christmas Eve is a light, charming Christmas movie. It works mainly because of all the talented actors involved. (You can look at the IMDb listing to see who they all are.) The plot involves different groups of people being stuck on elevators in New York City for several hours on Christmas Eve. We get to know the people and see how they react to missing their Christmas Eve plans. I didn't really care for a couple of the groups, mainly the hospital elevator and the group of musicians. However, the elevator with James Roday and a neighbor was especially sweet and touching. And I would just like to hang out with the people in the mall elevator! Give this a try if you're looking for a sweet Christmas movie to watch.

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• Some Kind Words - Spoilers

  fdbjr2015-12-08

  As the message boards and the limited reviews have been somewhat merciless on this good-but-not-great movie, I feel duty bound to write a few good words. I decided to invest a small amount of money on the film, because I was curious how James Roday would do outside of 'Psych' (which I have generally liked). But I had a pretty good experience watching the movie. Critical and audience reaction doubtless has reflected the fact that it is not a comedy, nor is it particularly warm (!). The writer-director (I believe) wanted to discuss a number of large life issues. (The movie actually might have worked better on some ordinary day, as very few of the subplots actually resolve with reference to the holiday). Some of these are successful, some not. I particularly enjoyed the musicians in the elevator, and also doctors and patient. The scene with the five millenials (flaky girls, know-it-all, docent, and body builder) worked. So did the duo of Jon Heder and Max Casella. The solo of Patrick Stewart and the James Roday (sigh) did not work so well. All that said, however, the different reactions of the trapped groups was interesting and dramatic. The critics' views that they are all unlikable is Grinch stuff. The reveals of the interconnections among them (done with some subtlety) were the script at its best. All in all, a sort of Ship of Fools movie that ultimately worked, maybe because the formula is so strong. The critics and some of our acerbic friends on this site are way too negative.

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• Christmas Eve, a new holiday classic (for me)

  girlboygraveyard2015-12-09

  I really liked this movie. It has been getting torn apart by critics, but I tend to be member of the Birdman train of thought about Critics, "A man becomes a critic when he cannot be an artist…" This film isn't pretentious, nor is it trying to be anything it isn't. It is a thoughtful and goofy Christmas movie. If you feel like you need a laugh, you will find many in this movie. Highlights of the movie for me: -It is refreshing to see James Roday in something that isn't Psych. He does a great job being the most endearing creep there ever was. By the end of the film you feel really bad for him! -Jon Heder and Max Casella's elevator was just delightful. There is nothing more awkward then running into an old boss, especially one that has just fired you. Now imagine being stuck with that guy overnight, in a cramped elevator. They both handle the arc of their relationship well. Jon Heder does a great job at not being the abnormal nerd, but a character with distinguishable layers. -The film bears an overall message of the interconnectedness of us all, and how we need to slow down to see it. Cons for me: -A little more Roday would have been nice. Can we have a film just about his character? I mean he works at a morgue how cool is that. I will be seeing this again! Soon! P.S. Watch this movie with people, it's one of those movies that is better in a group of people, not locked away in a dark closet with your laptop.

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• Charming and thoughtful with a few surprises

  ckssteele2015-12-04

  I like movies with interesting characters and witty dialogue that carries a message. This movie gave me all three. Some characters were charming, others quirky, and a few carried scars or burdens that seemed to lurk below the surface of their social mask. It showcased humanity within the context of comedy and left me pondering about some of the characters even after the movie was over. I love the idea that many of our lives overlap without even knowing, and that our impact on other people makes a difference for good or bad. Adding to the ambiance of the film is the context of everything taking place on Christmas Eve, which elevated the charm and sentimentality. Definitely worth the watch!

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