Four Christmases - A Movie Review

Better get moving - this is going to be a busy Christmas.

After making several visits, Four Christmases arrived in theaters in 2008. Kate and Brad’s Christmas plans are ruined when their flight is canceled. Since both of their parents are divorced, they travel around to each family. It’s an exhausting and festive time for each visit.

Are you relieved when characters exhibit resembling personalities of family members and situations when you watch holiday films? Christmas is a festive time of year but we can agree that it is stressful. Four Christmases distinguishes the hectic time when families get together for the holidays and how to make the best of it.

It’s been vocal that Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn did not get along during filming. Because it was so toxic, Witherspoon flat-out refused to film a steamy scene with Vaughn. Witherspoon and Vaughn have different acting techniques. This pairing is the most unrealistic part of the film. The actors didn’t have the right chemistry.

Their rivalry showed through their character's romance. Kate and Brad have a lot more to learn about each other and their relationship. They are happy with their relationship but have not been open about their family and themselves.

I have become more of a fan of Vince Vaughn over time. He is a good actor when given the right roles. There were times when he didn’t say the right things and was often rude to Kate. Witherspoon is also wonderful in her part, trying to keep everything together.

Traveling back and forth to different family members, Four Christmases has a memorable ensemble. Robert Duvall plays Brad’s gruff father. Mary Steenburgen is Kate’s religious mother. Sissy Spacek is memorable in her part as Brad’s mother - now married to one of Brad’s friends.

The supporting roles are crucial in Four Christmases. More credits include Jon Voight and Jon Favreau as Brad’s boisterous, rough MMA-fighting brothers, Kristin Chenoweth, Katy Mixon, and several others make memorable appearances. A familiar face who starred in A Christmas Story plays the ticket agent at the airport.

The film is an entertaining comedy. Many of the film's key scenes are improvised. The narrative, while rooted in comedy, treats audiences to a humorous exploration of the oddities that make each family unique.

From awkward dinner conversations to embarrassing childhood stories, Four Christmases captures the essence of the holiday season – a time when families come together, for better or worse.

While the movie primarily serves as a vehicle for laughs, it doesn't shy away from the heartfelt moments. Seth Gordon made the film relatable for people having difficulty reconciling with family. Most of the film was inspired by Gordon’s memories from holidays with his family. Did you know that he wrote out a detailed timeline for all the characters and their backstories?

We can all relate to family dynamics and embarrassing moments that become funny memories. Here’s an important element of the film that shouldn’t go unnoticed. First, the film starts with a hostile tone with characters shouting over each other and urgency to exit each visit before things worsen. The third act is calmer than the first.

This film is a good example of divorced families. Find a way to get along during the holidays so everyone can enjoy the holiday. Nobody’s family is picture-perfect. We all have that one family member. As stressful as holidays are stop and be thankful for what you have.

Watch Four Christmases with the whole family this season. Holiday comedies exist for a reason. Have a laugh and enjoy the film for what it is.