Funny Christmas Movie Witj Danny Devito and Matthew Broderick
Good Christmas comedy...
"Deck the Halls" is actually a fun and enjoyable Christmas comedy. Of course it doesn't match the 1989 "Christmas Vacation". However, I will say that "Deck the Halls" is noteworthy and does compliment the genre well enough.
It is much in the same League as "Christmas Vacation", as it is the Holiday feud of two neighbors competing to have the role of the local Christmas guy - the guy who is the heart of the Christmas season. And things quickly escalates out of control in no time.
Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick actually were great in their roles in this 2006 movie. But especially Broderick surprised with his performance in "Deck the Halls".
The movie is fun and entertaining for the whole family, and there are some good laughs throughout the movie. It was just a shame that there weren't more funny scenes though, because it would have lifted the movie further up.
If you want a fun movie for the Christmas holidays and want an alternative to "Christmas Vacation" then give "Deck the Halls" a chance. I have seen it for the past two Christmas holidays now, and believe that it will become a holiday tradition for me, just as "Christmas Vacation" is.
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How They Did It Is Better Than What They Did
To put it briefly, this was an entertaining movie, gave me a number of laughs and was also extremely stupid and insulting to anyone's intelligence. But, if you look at it strictly as a farce, it will do for a 90-minute diversion. Just don't take any of the characters seriously and try not to get annoyed - which isn't easy - at the typical comedy clichés that are in this movie. And - as some others have pointed out - do not watch this with your kids; it's not "family fare."
Many of the dumb "Hollywood stereotypes" you've endured in comedies the last few decades are in this film. A few examples: the obnoxious kids who say clever things; the typical family story where the men are made to look stupid while the women are smart and sensible; one guy who is a total crook is pictured as sympathetic; things happen in minutes that would take days to occur, unnecessary sex jokes, on and on. Yet, through it all, there are some funny lines of dialog and the Christmas lights on Danny DeVito's house are great fun to see.
This comedy also reminded me a lot of "What, About Bob?" as DeVito slowly drives neighbor Matthew Broderick almost crazy as Bill Murray did to Richard Dreyfuss. I'm told it also was like the National Lampoon's Christmas Story but I never saw that.
What was very interesting were two five-minute featurettes which came with the DVD. In it, is explained and shown how the movie makers built the two houses from scratch, put in all the incredible lights and light show and how it was made to look dark. The story takes place in a mythical town in Massachusetts (where nobody in the film, by the way, has an accent!) but was filmed in Vancouver in July where they were only getting six hours of darkness per night. Most of the film takes place at night so they also built as 60-foot high ark-like building over the two big houses! Incredible!
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Deck the filmmakers....
Warning: Spoilers
Like watching a combination plate of a movie, with elements of every Christmas movie you've ever seen thrown in for good measure. First let's start with one of the flimsiest plot devices ever: lifelong-loser Devito (despite having a blonde, busty wife, uh huh) gets the inane idea to put enough xmas lights on his home so it can be seen from space. This will give him the accomplishment of his life, and make him "somebody". Now he has just moved in across the street from squeaky clean Broderick, who happens to me "Mr. Christmas" around the holidays. The two begin a war of wills as to whom the town will adore the most. Devito keeps piling on lights, Broderick tries to sabotage it. Now with that storyline laid out, so, so many things come to mind. A), Devito would never get away with the noise and paralyzing light beams shooting into everyone's bedrooms. B), as a car salesman, Devito forges Broderick's name and sticks him with the payments on a new SUV. Now, only in "movie land" would Devito not be fired and brought up on charges of fraud. C), let's count the rip-offs of other movies, shall we: xmas neighbors feuding (Christmas With the Kranks); unstable man lighting up his house (Christmas Vacation); Broderick banged around and covered in goop (Home Alone); a VERY badly blue-screened runaway Santa sleigh (Christmas Vaction AGAIN!). Tack on maybe "the" most forced, overly syrupy, and utterly rushed endings in film history, Christmas or not, and you have ten hard earned dollars wasted. As the film started it was good to see a couple of former movie heavyweights in a potentially big holiday film...sadly, this adds to the nadir that is still their current careers.
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There could have been a few more laughs
Every year there is a Christmas movie released, and it's always the typical family friendly flick that gets pretty annoying and predictable, in fact there really hasn't been any good Christmas movies past Home Alone and Christmas Vacation. When I saw the trailer to Deck the Halls, I was so excited, because I'm a fan of Danny and Matthew, they're both great comedic actors and this seemed like a great film for Christmas and how obsessive people are over the holidays.
Steve is a family man who is intending to make the holidays brighter for his depressed kids and over shadowed wife, he is also love by the community. A new family moves in across the street, Buddy and his family are genuinely nice people but rub Steve off the wrong way, especially since Buddy is upset that his house cannot be seen from outer space and figures that Christmas lights will fix that problem. While all the other family members of both guys are getting along great, the guys end up competing with each other to see who will be the Christmas King of the town.
Matthew and Danny who you'd think would be the perfect comedic duo actually didn't spark anything that grabbed me and the jokes were pretty predictable. While this movie was over all a slight disappointment, actually, I'd say there are a few good little laughs her and there, it is a cute Christmas movie, but like I said, just stick with the classic Christmas comedies.
5/10
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Fairly amusing Christmas movie.
hu675 27 November 2010
Local eye doctor and Christmas expert Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) wants an nice simple Christmas with his wife Kelly (Kristen Davis), his daughter Madison (Alia Shawkat) and his son Carter (Dylan Blue). When the Finch family has new neighbors during the holidays, which they are the Hall family. Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito), his wife Tia (Kristen Chenoweth) and their twin daughters, Ashley (Emily Aldridge) and Emily (Kelly Aldridge). Buddy is a pro salesman in a Car Dealership department but he quickly get bored with the previous jobs, he had. Buddy wants to do something totally different for Christmas, he has the idea to have many colorful Christmas lights on his house that they can be seen from Space! Soon enough, it truly annoys Steve and he feels that Buddy will ruined his Christmas spirit. He decides to do whatever it takes to ruined Buddy's Christmas. Especially they competed against each other during the holidays.
Directed by John Whitesell (Big Momma's House 2, Malibu's Most Wanted, See Spot Run) made an decent Christmas movie with some low-brow laughs and an few moments of mean-spirited gags. Broderick and DeVito are certainly good in their roles. But the script could have been much better, sometimes i wonder if the movie was meant to be darker at times. Perphas the dirtiest joke in the movie, when Broderick and DeVito are amused (and probably turned-on) by watching live performance of "Santa Baby", not realized in these short Christmas skirts and Christmas costumes is their daughters. But the worst thing about the movie is the Christmas lights, especially in DeVito's home in the picture. After watching the movie, it kinda made me sick watching these different colors Christmas lights. Overall, "Deck the Halls" is fairly amusing two-thirds of the way but the movie always goes overkill. Too bad with a brighter script, this feature could have been really good. Watchable but nothing memorable. (***/*****).
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fun Christmas film
While this movie is not laugh out loud funny, I still found it cute and entertaining. I especially liked the unique and bright light display. I don't know if most of those lights were just computer generated or if they decorated a real house, but it sure looked amazing.
In the movie, Buddy hall and his family moves across the street from the Finch's. He comes up with the idea of making his house bright enough to be seen from outer space. All the lights and traffic begin to aggravate Steve Finch. He makes an attempt to sabotage Buddy's lights, but his attempt isn't very successful. He competes with Buddy in the town speed skating contest. Steve's wife gets along with Buddy's and she and kids begin doing things different. Steve wants everything done the same as in the same "family traditions." Buddy and Steve learn a lesson in the end and what it means to be good neighbors.
FINAL VERDICT: Entertaining. 12 year olds should like this as well as adults.
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Don't believe the bad reviews! This is a FUNNY MOVIE !!!!!
Warning: Spoilers
Very cute movie about two neighbors (Danny DeVito and Matt Broderick) who try to out-do one another as 'The Christmas Guy' on their block by lavishly decorating their houses during the yuletide.
Lots of great scenes like when newly arrived neighbor Danny introduces himself to Matt and winds up taking Matt's morning newspaper and cup of coffee. Also when Danny can't understand the conversation when Matt starts to "talk weird". Kristin Chenoweth is sweet as Danny's wife while lots of charming moments helps make this a holiday staple for the Christmas season.
Recommended for the entire family.
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Funny and entertaining Christmas film.
I know that a lot of people hate this film but I really like it. Two neighbours get into a competition to have the best Christmas lights. Things quickly escalate as the Christmas spirit quickly fades.
There are plenty of very funny moments especially from an in form and slightly maniacal Danny Devito. I thought the supporting cast was great especially Matthew Broderick as the rival to Devito.
The humour is at times cruel and maybe this is one of the reasons the film doesn't appear to be much loved. However it makes a difference to the usual Christmas films and I loved the over the top climax to the film as the rivalry spirals out of control.
Although I appear to be in a minority, this is one Christmas film that I like to watch every year.
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A future holiday classic? Well, maybe not. but quite a pleasant film, actually
Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) is smallish Cloverdale, Massachusetts's town optometrist. He also is determined to create great holiday memories at Christmastime for, as he explains, he was an army brat and moved too often to experience a traditional Xmas. Therefore, Steve has his family on a schedule that includes hanging wreaths and singing carols. He is also a big supporter for the town's winterfest celebrations. Enter Buddy Hall (Danny Devito). He and his wife have just purchased the house next door and Buddy has got the holiday spirit, too, in a big way. He wants enough lights on his house to assure it can be spotted from outer space! Buddy and Steve get off on the wrong foot from the start, with Buddy's light-and-music show giving Steve insomnia and stress. Can these two get into the true holiday spirit of forgiveness and harmony? This is a nice addition to the holiday movie repertoire. Broderick and Devito are fine as the quarreling neighbors, with Devito turning down his manic comedy just a bit, with welcome results. The rest of the cast is well chosen, too. The look of the film is arresting and the costumes and scenery quite appealing. Near the end of the flick, there is a sweet moment when the lights go out and the lovely song, O Holy Night, is resonating. What a great way to remind everyone for the true reason for the holiday, amid the humorous chaos of the rest of the picture. If you want to see something new this holiday or in the future, this one will do nicely for a family gathering. It has some laughs and messages that will get everyone in the mood for the annual holiday experiences.
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Hearty fare for the Holidays
You see what you want to see most times in many instances. Some critics here say this is "heartless" but maybe that says more about them than about this movie. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie because it DOES show heart. Best of all, for Christians, it shows the REAL meaning of Christmas (as in the birth of Jesus Christ), subtly, not banging you over the head with a manger, but makes sure to use a creche scene, mention the birth of Jesus, and use Christian lyrics among the usual secular stuff. So for me, that made the movie all the more meaningful. I didn't catch any embarrassing language or actions. Any "violence" is over-the-top cartoon stuff. And the lighting effects ARE great.
There are also some genuinely funny lines, but you need a sophisticated sense of humor to catch it, especially with the deadpan style of Broderick.
It's a funny, fun, family film. I highly recommend it. (And don't pay attention to grinch critics who say otherwise! They don't see heart in this film because their hearts are "two sizes two small.") ;)
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A comedy with no humor...
...unless you're maybe 8 years old, in which case the sight gags might keep you amused. For a while. Matthew Broderick should be ashamed for getting himself mixed up in a mess like this. He's good at playing straight men, but his deadpan delivery of this lousy script will have you checking your watch frequently. It's a particular waste of his comedy talent, which is well-documented. Danny DeVito once again demonstrates that his career peaked about 10 years ago as he mopes his way through the story. Just when you think you've got his character figured out, he does something that takes you back to square one. Is he a nice guy? A scumbag? A criminal? It could be any of those things, or none. God knows the ending doesn't give you any ultimate idea. I don't really know, and I don't really care. Avoid this film unless you have nothing better to do at the mall except wait for a swollen molar to subside. It's about the only thing that seems less appealing than sitting through this turkey.
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What???????????????4.9 oh my
This is a perfect holiday movie for the perfect season,Funny,Heartwarming and everything you need in a holiday movie
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Not enough festive spirit to make this film remotely enjoyable
Deck the Halls is strikingly filmed, and the soundtrack is great, but as a film it is quite mean-spirited and unfunny. The story is simple, but it is also predictable, clichéd and mediocre, while the scripting is weak and lacking in laughs, same with the gags which were rather cheap.
The direction was not particularly great either, like the film itself, it was lacking in heart. The ending held no surprises either, I admit I smelt the ending a mile off. And to add insult to injury, the characters are unlikeable and quite obnoxious. Matthew Broderick is flat here, while Danny DeVito is wasted, and he can be funny, so that was a disappointment. In fact only Kristen Chenoweth had any spark. The pacing is uneven, either rushed or languid, and there just isn't enough festive spirit to make Deck the Halls enjoyable.
Overall, bah humbug, this could have been so much better. 2/10 Bethany Cox
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Feuding neighbours provide light-hearted entertainment
Film Review: Deck the Halls Cast: Danny DeVito, Mathew Broderick, Kristin Davis and Kristin Chenoweth
It's the festive season and there's a new neighbour in town. Danny DeVito plays the part of Buddy Hall, a cunning family man desperately in need of settling down. It's not easy establishing a home in a new neighbourhood as the Hall family soon finds out, especially with a neighbour like Steve Finch, played by Mathew Broderick.
Finch is a man set in his ways. His desire to control everything around him borders on obsessive-compulsive. At best he is anally retentive; at worst seriously unstable. As the self proclaimed chairman of the Town's Christmas celebrations, Finch feels completely threatened by the arrival of Hall.
Their families get along like a house on fire, but these two alpha males can't see eye to eye on anything. They become fiercely competitive and unwittingly puerile, as each tries to outdo the other. Buddy Hall gets a bizarre notion into his head about adorning his house with sufficient lighting so that it can be viewed from space. He is prepared to do this even if it means arousing the wrath of the Finch family.
This is a weird and wacky tale about Christmas cheer and reconciliation. Naturally there is that inevitable chemistry between DeVito and Broderick. From rivalry to cooperation, this is their story told in the true spirit of the festive season.
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wonderful comedy
I really liked this one a lot. Danny DeVito, and Matthew Broderick really did a great job , displaying you're not so typical suburban neighborhood at Christmas. Two neighbors are dueling one another to see who has the best yard,, or decorations. The one neighbor tho goes totally overboard, with his decorations and you can actually see it from space,, the friction and malay that it causes the whole neighborhood and their families plays out throughout the whole movie. I guess I can relate to this movie because I truly love Christmas,, and I went all out this year in my yard,, but not near Danny DeVito's characters length although I must say I was really proud to have the brightest, and best yard on my dead end st. wonderful movie,, with lot's of great slapstick,, with the best moment being when the 3 men are whooping and hollering at the Christmas babies,, wearing skimpy,, outfits,, fishnets,, and thongs,, and one says,, who's you're daddy.. and one of the girls turn around and said me daddy,, omfg,, that was hilarious,, then he proceeds the go for the holy water,, as he was almost blinded by his daughter.. p.s. the men didn't know it was their daughter or daughters, because all of the girls had their backs turned,, and from that distance,,m could have been any pretty girl.
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A Christmas turkey of a film
This film about two rival neighbours competing to have the best Christmas lights should have been great, ITV did a one off Drama about a similar scenario and pulled it off well, but this is a mess.
The worst thing is that it wastes a great cast, led by Matthew Broderick and Danny De Vito, but nothing can paper over the fact that this film has a weak script, and actually, a poor sense of Christmas spirit.
I know at this time of year people will watch anything remotely festive, but this film has the potential to make anyone a Scrooge.
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Dim the lights
In Deck the Halls stuffy optician Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) always plans a traditional Christmas for the family and organizes the town's Christmas display.
His brash new neighbour Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) a car salesman moves in and plans to have the brightest display in town and wants his lights to be seen from space much to the Finch's chagrin.
This is a film with a Christmas themed 'neighbours at war' idea and as its a comedy it means you have to have mishaps leading to hilarious consequences such as a can of gasoline inexplicably outside a Pine tree display in the woods despite falling on snow somehow ignites when a tree is chopped by an axe. When your young children exclaim how could this happen you kind of guess this is all nonsense.
However the film is full of this type of unfunny scrapes, there are no nice characters in this film. Broderick is a stuffy bore, DeVito is annoying as hell. I could never understand how others in the town liked DeVito so much and its never explained in an early scene in the car showroom how he managed to sell the car so fast to the owner of the car lot. You just have to take it as read he is an ace salesman because of his boorish charm.
The film is lazily written, its not funny, even when the duo make up at the end you do not feel much as you knew it was going to happen and you never liked them in the first place. There is little chemistry between the characters because it is so badly written and directed with the actors making the best of a bad job. The film was rightly nominated for the Raspberry Awards.
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A Decent Watch!
'Deck the Halls' is A Decent Watch! It has some funny moments & energetic performances working for it. Time-Pass!
'Deck the Halls' Synopsis: Two neighbors have it out after one of them decorates his house for the holidays so brightly that it can be seen from space.
'Deck the Halls' is flawed, but funny nonetheless. Sure, some jokes are lame, but I did laugh at some places. Matt Corman, Chris Ord & Don Rhymer's Screenplay could've been funnier, but there is something funny about it. John Whitesell's Direction is lively. Cinematography & Editing are very ordinary.
Performance-Wise: Danny DeVito & Matthew Broderick are splendid actors & they are a joy to watch. As feuding neighbors, they both deliver wonderfully. Kristin Davis & Kristin Chenoweth are adequate. Kal Penn appears in a cameo.
On the whole, 'Deck the Halls' is funny in parts.
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I found more heart in Scarface
We have reached that time of year again. Every year, or every couple of years, we have a fake Christmas comedy that comes out just for the sake of making money, with no heart. In 2004 we had Christmas with the Kranks which is one of the worst reviewed movies ever, but god help me but I found enjoyment in that film, believe it or not. I am known as Mr. Christmas, I love the holiday itself and I love its movies, most of them always bring me joy, my favourite one being The Polar Express. Now, I try to find joy in most holiday themed movies I watch, but when filmmakers have sunk to such low levels Deck the Halls, it's hard to melt the cold hard plastic that it is. But honestly, how could we have expected a classic from the man who brought us such great films as "Big Momma's House 2", and the unforgettable "Malibu's Most Wanted"? I sound very angry, but you know what, enough is enough. What happened to filmmakers putting heart into a Christmas movie, or any movie for that matter? What happened to being excited for such Christmas classics as Elf, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, It's A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, or The Polar Express. Movies were the story, and the message matter was heart and holiday joy. I'm sick of studios making these "Christmas" movies that are just released for the simple fact that is money, these films show what Christmas has truly become, all about the presents. This film may have had no promise and, and I may have had no expectations for it, but to sink as low as this, and to have such a fake and cold-hearted movie, is just sad and disturbing. Box-office poison, Matthew Broderick strikes again with yet another box-office poison machine, Danny DeVito. Never have I seen a movie with such a cast of actors I hate.
I mean, at least Christmas with the Kranks had Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis who are normally two very funny people, to bring some joy to it. In Deck the Halls we receive Danny DeVito, who just makes your skin crawl, and who is always stuck in movies with hot wives, what is that about? Then there's Matthew Broderick who hasn't delivered a classic or hit since who knows how long, it's been a long while since his fantastic work in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Election, two classics. Then adding to that for female contribution there's nails on chalk board voices Kristen Chenoweth and Kristen Davis, although Chenoweth at moments is funny in this rather forgettable comedy. DeVito and Broderick have as much chemistry as an apple and a plate, enough said. My main beef with the movie however, is something Kranks actually had, a message and an ending to it where all the garbage comes together and you actually, cared. Here we have just scenes put together called a movie, and ending that comes from no where but cliché-land. It doesn't even strive for something original, it's just here, put some "heart" into it. I found more heart in Scarface.
We have come to the age where the story doesn't matter to this films, you slap a Christmas theme on it, and there you have a holiday hit. I mean, at least the recently released The Santa Clause 3 had a message and heart, this has nothing. I mean, it's about a man wanting to have his house seen from space, compensating for something much? Broderick's character doesn't even have a fight, if you know what I mean. They could've competed for the brightest house, that would have been more interesting, but no, we have to see him get slammed with Camel snot, put into its dung, and worst of all Danny DeVito make out with Chenoweth. It sounds as nasty as it is, I pray for her to make a full recovery. The house being lit with half a million lights is incredibly clichéd, and very annoying to the eyes. I remember when I had retinas, it's blinding to say the least. The ending again to this film without giving anything away, is so fake and cold, and so heartless, I was honestly in shock at how it comes together. In the future, I pray for someone in Hollywood to come up with an original, heartfelt holiday movie.
Bottom Line:
As cold and heartless as the light bulbs surrounding the house.
Review written by Jordan Appugliesi for www.boxofficefanatic.com
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My family thought it was cute
The reviews and the comments were quite harsh, so I decided to take the gamble and go see it. Glad I made that decision. I laughed and so did my wife and 13 year old daughter. The 11 year old boy didn't spend nearly as much time laughing.
Some of the funniest scenes are in the trailers, as with the majority of movies, but there were a number of surprises.
It starts out great and does slide downhill just a bit. Maybe they ran out of good material towards the end... Or possibly they wanted to actually make a statement, about the seriousness of Christmas. Either way, I would not pay to see it again, but I would rent it or watch it on TV.
Merry Christmas...
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This movie is packed with brilliant surprises!
Warning: Spoilers
I found Deck the Halls to be a very enjoyable Christmas motion picture. The story here is somewhat interesting and the principal cast members are all very sophisticated. Many of the scenes included herein made me glow with happiness. I was extremely amazed by just about everything that this movie depicted. The film-makers really outdid themselves!
Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick play Buddy Hall and Steve Finch, respectively. Hall is Finch's new neighbor and their families are met with mixed reactions. After a series of discoveries, Hall decides to decorate his house with an intense amount of Christmas lights and other holiday material. Finch gets jealous because his new neighbor is now the talk of the town. As a result, Finch tries to ruin everything for Hall. Eventually, their families become infuriated when the argument goes to far. After some apologies and reconciliation, the two families establish a strong friendship. Everyone has a happy holiday!
My favorite scene was the one where Finch was dragged all over the city in the sleigh that Hall picked up from a local retailer. In addition, he found a couple of horses and decided to spice it all up. The horses had fake antlers taped on their heads to make them look like reindeer. The animals went crazy while Finch was sitting in the sleigh; they got active and Finch received the ride of his life.
Also, I was delighted when I saw that DeVito's offspring here were portrayed by a set of beautiful twin teenage girls. My eyes got big every time these characters (Ashley and Emily) were on the screen. Seriously, these two cute gals really had me captivated! THEY WERE SO HOT!
Highly recommended!
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I walked out smiling!
I almost didn't take my 9 year old because of all the negative comments, but I have to say that I walked out smiling and humming a Christmas tune. I thought it was a nice movie. Is it predicable? Yes, but so was Miracle on 34th street... Can't something just be enjoyed and not torn apart just because the message is a simple one - to be nice to one another and try to help out? I liked it! It actually has a number of messages: That people who are different can still be friends (i.e. the two wives). That kids can learn from each other (i.e. the daughters) and that the husbands can learn that life isn't just about competition, but about family and friends.
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loved the movie!
I have to say that I really enjoyed this movie. I went with a friend and we laughed hysterically during many of the scenes. I am not a big "fan" of any of the actors, but I thought it was great. There were so many funny one liners that I couldn't help but laugh! (Looks like you are smuggling some chicken nuggets in that outfit...) I liked it so much, that my husband and I have plans to see it this week! Not all movies have to have a perfect story line behind it in order for others to be able to enjoy them. It actually reminded me of people I know who do get too caught up in Christmas! We all need to slow down and spend time with family and friends. *Lighten up and just l-a-u-g-h!
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Funnier Then Christmas With The Kranks
At least Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito didn't appear to be trying way to hard to be funny, they both seem to hit there mark just right. Some of whats in this movie does not make it a Christmas for the the whole family, unless your kids can look over the adult jokes, and enjoy the slapstick's humor that this movie seems to dish out. It starts with too neighbors named Doug(Matthew Broderick) and Buddy(Danny Devito) who start out as friendly, but soon become competitive on who is better at being Mr. Christmas, soon the season does not seem to jolly anymore, much of the dismay and annoyance of there families. I wouldn't call this film the greatest, if I were to compare it with ELF(2003), I 'd say ELF would win that round, but if I were to compare it Christmas With The Kranks(2004), I'd say Deck The Halls wins by a long shot.
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A Nutshell Review: Deck the Halls
You know the Christmas season is coming when the theatres start to line up its Christmas themed movies. You have comedies like Deck the Halls, one for the romantics in The Holiday, and of course, going back to basics with the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ in The Nativity Story.
The very first Matthew Broderick movie I've watched is Wargames, when I was a kid. And I thought he would have had quite a stellar career with his boyish good looks. Well, it's been almost 20 years, and that dude still retains his baby face, though now given age he's taken on roles of the family guy, and as Steve Finch, he's known as the Christmas guy around town, for his role in the committee for spreading the Christmas cheer. Until of course, his new neighbour, the Halls, move in, and innocently starts a rivalry with Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito), which in certain instances, look as petty as those squabbling neighours in the Joo Chiat area.
And family comedies like Deck the Halls are as predictable as they come by, with the setup of the dysfunctional characters. In the Finches, you have the straight laced Steve, the model mom Kelly (Kristin Davis), the depressed son Carter (Dylan Blue) and the coming of age daughter Madison (Alia Shawkat). At the other corner, you have the Buddy the father, with a penchant for giving up the things that he does, the ditzy mom Tia (Kristin Chenoweth, reprising a role so similar to her RV one as yet another blonde yodeling mom), and two, totally hot teenage twin daughters in Ashley (Sabrina Aldridge) and Emily (Kelly Aldridge), which are unfortunately, flower vase roles.
The feud starts when Ashley and Emily suggest to Buddy that their new home cannot be viewed from MyEarth (a fictional Google Earth clone), and to Buddy, one way to do that is to light up his home so that it could be seen from outer space. That's the primary premise, and naturally, by doing that, you disturb the neighbours, the Finches. So begins the one-up-manship between the two guys, egos bursting and all, as they outwit and try to outlast each other, much to the disapproval of their wives and kids.
It does make you think though, that in this spirit of giving and forgiving, that these two men are actually doing the direct opposites in upholding their Christmas values. Steve wants his (boring) family traditions to continue, and he does so in a very boorish manner, with his frequent complaining, whining, and sabotaging. Buddy on the other hand, steals. It portrays typical hypocritical behaviour that in your laughter, you're forced to think enough about whether you actually fall under the same category in this season of goodwill toward all men and women.
The flaws in the movie are obvious, such as the poor editing which dazzled itself during the Winterfest scenes. I suspect that a lot of footage containing various set action pieces were shot, and some discarded for time and quality, while the Who's Your Daddy joke just couldn't not to be included. Given its budget, cheap CG shots also distracted and took the mickey out of the fun factor.
Given that it's a Christmas movie, it definitely must have the feel good factor, which accounts for its implausible ending that cannot happen given time constraints, unless of course, you deem it a miracle. It's feel good, though some in the audience were manipulated enough to shed some tears at the end. And what of the message? It's obviously Love Thy Neighbours, and to relook into man made traditions that seem to stifle rather than make closer the valued family ties.
But as goodwill extended to this movie, although it'll never be a classic, will be the impressive light show sequence, as lights are made to dance in tune to the yuletide songs. One wonders who much time, effort and money went to create that show, which is this movie's pièce de résistance. And I appreciate that little clip from Meet Me in St Louis starring Judy Garland - watch that if you can.
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Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790604/reviews
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