A Sudden Case of Christmas movie review

MOVIE TITLE: A Sudden Case of Christmas

This oddball Christmas movie is now playin in select theaters, as well as on VOD (Video on Demand).

RATING: G (I would give it a rating of PG for the content)

LENGTH: 1 hour 31 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a young girl who travels to Italy with her parents in August to stay at her grandfather’s hotel, only to find out they’re about to break up. To help rekindle their love for each other and relive their favorite Christmas memories, she convinces everyone to celebrate the holiday.

The film was directed by Peter Chelsom, who also co-wrote it with Tinker Lindsay.

THINGS I LIKED:

Danny DeVito is charming, as always. His daughter in real life is Lucy, who also stars in the movie.
Another Hollywood name elevates the cast: Andie MacDowell.
The young actress who plays the precocious daughter is played by the fantastic Antonella Rose. She has a great future in Hollywood if she wants one.
We get to meet some Italian actors who will probably be unfamiliar to you. All of the actors did a great job, even the young kids.
We get to spend time in the gorgeous Italian Dolomites.
Nice soundtrack
Andie MacDowell reads the beautiful D.H. Lawrence poem “Know Deeply, Know Thyself More Deeply.” I can’t believe I’ve never heard it before! It was the perfect poem for this story about marital struggles.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie is a perfect illustration of how absentee or flawed parents spoil their child to assauge their guilt.
The movie really struggles between what it wants to be: an adult dramedy about love and marriage or a family-friendly Christmas movie. The adult content makes it awkward to watch with your kids.
The cute puppy and little girl aren’t enough to save this messy story.
There are a lot of little details that you need to overlook in order to enjoy the movie better.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity
Tons of sexual innuendos
We see a man with a bloody nose after he said he was in a fight
So much lying and covering up other people’s lies

THEMES:

Divorce
Family
Marriage
Infidelity
Honesty
Communication
Priorities
Wanting more in life
Deep, profound connections

FUNNY LINES:

“That is so manipulative.” – Abbie Randall (Lucy DeVito) “Effective, though.” – Jacob Randall (Wilmer Valderrama)
“You can either be entitled or offended. You can’t be both.” – Lawrence (Danny DeVito)
“Grandpa, you’re not bancrupt; you’re emotionally bancrupt.” – Claire Randall Randall (Antonella Rose)

INTERESTING LINES:

“As long as there’s love, there’s Christmas.” – Claire (Antonella Rose)
“It’s that you’re not with us when you’re with us.” – Claire to her hard-working mother (Antonella Rose)
“It sounds more like a roommate, not a soul mate.” – Rose “Gams” (Andie MacDowell)
“Don’t do nothing. Don’t ever do nothing.” – Lawrence (Danny DeVito)
“Talk with your legs.” – several people say it in different context
“I’m still workshopping happiness and, anyway, I’m only ten.” – Claire (Antonella Rose)
“A catalyst is someone who brings people together. You’re love in action.” – Lawrence (Danny DeVito)