The movie has its heart in the right place, but it has been polished and covered in a veneer of syrupy sweetness. It offers a dose of warmth as the family pulls together in the face of adversity, like the elements in a Christmas window display at Macy's. The problem is that everything feels fake, like that window display. It is a show for gawkers without any true substance. I don't really believe what is going on. There are some holiday films that really offer up something to grasp, while this one just sort of floats along.
Despite my general lack of enthusiasm for the finished product, it is not a complete waste. There are a couple of things that make it worth spending the 90 minutes. First and foremost is Martin Short. Short is clearly relishing the role of the nefarious Jack Frost. He sings, dances, and quips his way through the role of the man who would be red. He literally breathes life into the movie, he is a fun character.
The other performance I liked is Alan Arkin as the father of the bride. There is something I just find funny in his nay-saying and desire to do everything he wants, his way. The cast is rounded out with Elizabeth Mitchell, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, and Ann-Margret, with cameos by Aisha Tyler, Peter Boyle, and Kevin Pollak.
Bottom line. Michael Lembeck delivered a palatable, if not substantial, pre-holiday season filler. It is enough to whet the appetite for the impending craziness while not making any play towards the classics. Martin Short is worth seeing, but overall it is just lacking in creativity and heart. Oh yeah, please — no more time travel!
Not Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
We ventured out to see this movie last weekend too, and I have to agree, for the most part. Martin Short and Alan Arkin made it worth our time.
It wasn't the best in the (so-far) trilogy, but it was light and amusing and something young kids will enjoy. In today's world, something young kids will enjoy, gives it value, there just aren't very many of those films out there (outside of animation.)
2 - Chris Beaumont
I agree, there isn't much in the way of movies for the young in the live action world, and we should take what we can get. Just like I think there is a market for strictly adult fare (not that kind of adult, mind you, just something with purely adults in mind), and a market for films for the young. All too often, they just don't work as they are compromised for a more mass audience. This aims for the young and mostly hits its target, but it isn't quite there.
3 - nm
i dont agree at all i thought the movie was great and i had a fun time seeing it also.