Four Christmases - Movie Review

Four Christmases is a movie which revolves around the main character named Brad and Kate played by Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon respectively, a couple that is forced to spend one whole single day of Christmas with both their parents and as a result visits each one of them, hence four. They struggle to find balance in families during the holiday season; their struggles create a disorganized comedy and unseen depth of the family. It does comedy in addressing the issue of holiday season gatherings, with all the mirage and facade of family functioning, while presenting a warzone on the side.

Both Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are outstanding in their portrayal of married couple facing the disorder of family interactions during the holidays. The cast and the performance display great comedic timing and a good chemistry making the characters come to life and funny. Quirky and eccentric parents’ performances are given by Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Jon Voight, while the satirical approach to family Christmas celebrations is provided by Seth Gordon’s ‘Four Christmases’. Gordon’s direction makes the picture filled with energetic action and fresh amusing situations so the audience will never be bored.

As for the soundtracks, they include holiday songs that also contribute to the comedy mayhem. Filming ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ appropriately reflects the dynamics of the relations and the overall winter festive mood Return to the movie’s shooting One cannot mention the role of Jeffry L Kimball – the cinematographer of the film without discussing the depiction of Christmas in the movie – be it the comfort of homes, or discomfort of crowded family get-together parties. This makes the movie lively and festive, matching the chosen aesthetics where everything looks visually comforting and joyful.

Throughout the movie, production design contrasts the environment of both families; it shows that everyone has some quirks, and their house should reflect that. Everything ushers the audience to a comical and believable Christmas celebration.

There are not many special effects involved although the few such as the exploding television set contributes to the comic nature of the movie.

Mark Helfrich and Melissa Bretherton did a great job in the editing, making sure that there is smooth flow of the movie despite the many characters and jokes.

The movie moves very fast, fast enough to capture the crazy Christmas The film manages to have funny moments for demonstrating characters’ development.

The references are humorous and the script is full of well-worked jokes that really emphasize the role of the family engagements and relationships. Using the script, it is possible to come across some really hilarious scenes and see how all main characters behave and think.

Nevertheless, the comedy given in the movie ‘Four Christmases’, is very gross, and some jokes are based on simple physical and stereotype charters of families. There are certain stereotypical sequences that are slightly unconvincing at times.

Even though Four Christmases is a pleasant flick filled with holiday-related chaos. It is a funny movie that may be most enjoyed during the holiday season. Nevertheless it can be said that there is humor in it though can be considered over-emphasized, and it deals with the audience’s interests in family and self-identity. Both Vaughan and Witherspoon are very effective for my taste – this is good for watching during the holidays.