Four Christmases
Directed by Seth Gordon
- comedy
- romance
- drama
The story
Brad and Kate have made something of an art form out of avoiding their families during the holidays, but this year their foolproof plan is about go bust -- big time. Stuck at the city airport after all departing flights are canceled, the couple is embarrassed to see their ruse exposed to the world by an overzealous television reporter. Now, Brad and Kate are left with precious little choice other than to swallow their pride and suffer the rounds.
What it’s like
Bright, flat holiday-season daylight and warm interiors crowded with decorations: fairy lights, tinsel, bulky sweaters, glowing kitchens, and the cluttered clutter of suburban family homes. Camera work is plain and studio-comic, mostly medium two-shots and reaction cutaways, with the energy coming from the performers rather than from the look. The score is bouncy and jingly, sitting on top of sitcom-style rhythm: quick back-and-forth, one gag after another, and a steady run of awkward dinner tables and gift exchanges. The vibe is light, chaotic, and cozy-comic, with a sharp edge of mild embarrassment, the kind of background comedy that suits a weekend afternoon, a seasonal rewatch, or easy company during the holidays. The emotional register stays warm and undemanding; a stubborn couple slowly learns to take family seriously. Intensity is low: some slapstick and verbal sparring, no gore, no real violence, sexual content limited to innuendo, and nothing frightening. It suits viewers who want a gentle, laughing holiday watch with no heavy stakes, especially fans of romantic comedies with a dysfunctional-family streak.
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