Phillyist Reviews... Four Christmases

I often catch heat for disliking the whole inbred cluster of Apatow-related films, but I assure you that my dislike has nothing to do with snobbishness against broad, no-brainer comedies. I do own a copy of Joe Dirt. Sometimes, ridiculous comedy can be good, as in Four Christmases. At times, this holiday comedy is rude and cringe-inducing, but for this film, it works. Being over-blitzed by promos for the movie before viewing it, I was afraid that all the funny bits were wasted in the trailer. (How many times can seeing Vince Vaughn gagging at baby puke remain humorous?) But the comedy was fresh and plentiful, with the audience laughing audibly at many of the scenes. The film clearly had an overabundance of comedic scenes—a funny scene that had been in the trailer was removed from the theatrical cut. In it, Vince Vaughn's trashy sister-in-law is slapping together a spam and mayo salad because they are "trying to eat healthy." Even without that brief laugh, the movie still had plenty to offer.

The main thing that doesn't work for this film is trying to imagine that Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn actually belong together. For one thing, he's about twice her size. They attempt to explain away that obvious fact by having Vaughn's father in the film (perfectly played by Robert Duvall) calling her "Tiny," but it doesn't work. More damaging is the fact that there is zero chemistry between the two romantic leads. It was rumored that they did not get along during the shoot, and that real life problem seeps into the picture and haunts their on-screen relationship.

That casting problem is made up for by having an all-star supporting cast including not only Duvall, but Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Favreau, and Kristen Chenowith.

You have many options out there in the cinema this holiday season, but if you are looking for a guaranteed laugh, put this one on your list.

Image via About.com