Rather than build the Christmas spirit within our happy couple, each successive familial visit serves to put their relationship under the proverbial microscope. You see, these two are in a perpetual state of arrested development, adults who still treat their relationship as if they are teenagers. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it stunts their development as adults and prevents them from truly being a couple who know everything about each other, instead content to rest on the surface details they mistake for depth.
Wow, now that actually sounds like a movie I'd like to see. It's too bad that the four-man writing team chose to go the quick and easy route rather than mining the high concept for all it is worth. The story plays out in predictable fashion, anyone who has seen a few romantic comedies will see where this one is going, but will likely be disappointed in the way it plays out.
There are laughs to be had, but they mainly come from the supporting cast. Long time friend of Vaughn, Jon Favreau is humorous as Brad's UFC fighter brother, Denver. Kristen Chenoweth displays plenty of cleavage while dispensing sage advise and showing just why she works so well on Pushing Daisies. This brings up another point, the collective talent in this cast is impressive, with a quality script this could have been one for the ages. In addition to those already mentioned, the cast also includes Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Dwight Yoakam, and Tim McGraw.
Bottomline. Fortunately, the movie does not overplay its predictable hand. The story does not spread itself out, playing in a mercifully brief 80-minutes. Yes, there are laughs and a few moments that threaten to bring meaning to this fictional universe's heightened reality (which means this is completely unreal film with situations that could only happen in a movie). It could be worse, but it is by no means a must see.
Not Recommended.
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