X-Mas Part 2.5 Years Later
- Mike Fisher
- Apr 16, 2023
- 16 min read
“Bill.
Paul.
Yeah, Where are we going?
You haven’t quit drinking yet, have you?
Should I?
Good man.”
- Bill Murray and Paul Schaffer
Before I even get into business, to address the obvious - I took a break from writing and podcasts. Work was crazy and the adjustment back to live work post pandemic was a bit odd in terms of personal allocation of timing. Yet, I’m kicking both back up with a few changes. First is, I had already started this one so I finished with the same format, but I’ll be changing that. Way too much about the movies means it took way too long to get that part going so next one, I will be changing that format. Also, I will be writing something that links to the pods that start coming out. Anywho - just want to put it in writing.
Before I took my pause, I was considering the element of family with the first part of my XMas movies. I have since gone back home for two Christmases after having a very unique Christmas abroad with just my partner and dogs. I obviously missed my family as it’ the only XMas I hadn’t made it home, but it did make me think about the family that develops when you travel. I know when I was living in another Canadian city and was younger, you felt like everyone you hung with was your pseudo family, and to an extent, I agree. But it was known that as people coupled up and started to consider starting their families that things would change. Living overseas is similar, but often when this happens, those people don’t have family to turn to - so in some cases it actually intensifies. If your friends have kids, you are automatically much closer to the kids even if that wouldn’t have happened as naturally had I stuck around in Canada. When people go through losses, or personal shifts, it’s the friend group that they kind of choose that is there for them. I say kind of as to be honest, you don’t have a wide pool to always choose from. So while that can create times of loneliness, when you do connect with people, it’s a bit more of a special occurrence and makes people hang on a bit tighter. Even though you ultimately know that you will move, and likely they will to. It’s an uncommon experience I think, but these movies helped me think of this, even though some of these movies were not super well thought out.
To preface, I love my family and am very close to them. However it’s also my observation, not just in mine, but more in others, that family members can be assholes. I really appreciate the idea that family is the only group of people who will be there for you no matter what. I won’t try and explain this as Jonathan Tjarks does about as good of a job as you can do in this. This is how I was raised and what I truly believe in. However, I’ve seen two things that are a flaw in this methodology. One is what happens after a major figure in that family passes on and people either fight over resources or stop making reasons to see each other (it’s funny that this can happen, but there are members of your family that bring people together - and it’s not always clear who they are until they are no longer there to do so). The other is less dramatic and therefore probably more relatable. Everyone has members of their family that disagree with each other in terms of political or religious ideology. For people who can be civil, this is fine. Occasionally it might be a challenging conversation from time to time, but doesn’t extend any further. However, as people age, their filter withers (and for some, it was paper thin regardless) so normal conversations turn political quickly simply due to people not caring about what this does to discourse. Again, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative if this results in challenging or fruitful conversation. However, in my experience, those people aren’t bringing up these things to discuss, rather to lecture and provoke.
Why is this a tangent I’m on? Because I think the idea that they are doing this in front of family is part of it. Deep down they know they can make people feel uncomfortable and at the end of the day, they will still get invited over for the next holiday. This doesn’t happen when you have your chosen family. Yes, those people are forgiving, but if you keep failing at your part to make sure you follow courtesy or the most basic of social conventions, the invite may get lost from time to time. I imagine there are groups of people that see this as evading and that they right to say whatever they want is worth making others feel uncomfortable - but then I challenge them to live overseas when people do not have to put up with it. Freedom of speech is not freedom of consequence, so there are implications to this type of conversation style.
I thought about this a lot when watching some of these movies. The balance between the people we choose to let in and those we group up around. Both have vital roles in my life and I have no interest in ostracizing either. It does create a very different mind set as I went back into family events after not seeing them for almost two years. I still love them and that’s not going to change. It did just make me reconsider my role in the family. And by that I mean the one I was given and the one I continue to choose. Anyways, here are the movies I watched at the same time as Part I… almost 2.5 years ago now. Time flies.
Notable Names:
Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levi, Alison Brie, Victor Garber, Clea Duvall
Why am I watching it?:
I was looking for newer takes on holiday flicks and this seemed to check all boxes.
Was Left Wanting More:
From what I read, the “correct” movie buff answer is supposed to be Aubrey Plaza as many feel it was her romantic comedy. I don’t disagree as her character was a way better fit than Davis for Stewart and she is just way more likeable - but I guess that’s the point. Seeing a loved one with their family in that capacity isn’t supposed to be a turn-on, so it’s a bit unfair. It was nice to see Plaza trying hard in something though as I feel like it’s been a minute. So … I guess she will still be my answer. I am left, not wanting more from her character, but from her as an actress in other projects. Although it can’t be said enough - finding out how Davis outed her former High School girlfriend makes it way harder to get behind her.
Could Have Used Less:
To be honest, one of the reasons I can’t pull the trigger on her character being my outright answer for wanting more was that this film, for it’s progressive nature of having two lesbian leads to a schmaltzy Christmas movie, it falls into the 90’s trope of having gay people be magic. This isn’t something I have come up with, as it’s a trope all it’s own, but the two characters that are clearly more insightful and fully aware than the two leads are played by Plaza and Dan Levi. So my cheat answer to the first part of wanting more was indeed more of them - but that’s because we don’t see any of their flaws, only that they are all seeing and insightful to help guide the lost Stewart character through. This isn’t a huge downer as it’s pretty common for rom-coms to have characters that serve plot devices more than represent people - and as that goes - these two are not fully flat characters as they are just too likeable and essential to fall that far. I just was left wanting more of them but less of the trope… if that makes any sense.
This One Was Just Right:
In Christmas rom-coms, the family is usually the least likeable part. There were some cringe-worthy moments here, but overall I didn’t think they overdid it. I mean, they did, but in a way that mirrors much of what I have come to expect from these types of Christmas movies. Right down to the physical altercation over gift giving where something of value is destroyed.
I also appreciate how they didn’t just pretend the characters were gay and into each other but without any of the physical intimacy. The movie showed it as much as they would if they were straight. It’s an odd thing to praise, but I think it’s worth mentioning.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
This starts with sooo many production companies. Is this a part of the future of movies? One group green-lights it, one actually makes it and then another group distributes/streams it?
The movie really makes a point of being very Christmassy. I think they want it clear that they should be just a better version of the Hallmark product - but - they also will not shy away from the same sex relationship.
I enjoy the intention in not having one of the love interests fully embody any of the stereotypical tropes of a hetro-romantic comedy. Stewart bounces from being a basketcase, to the traditional one (aiming to ask for permission to marry). They mock it slightly in the movie to make it a bit more meta, but it makes it feel a bit more authentic and I’m betting it was very much a conscious choice.
Ranking:
This, as many on this list, will be very genre specific. I’m more thinking if I will watch them again during future holiday seasons. In this case, I would - so that should mean something. I also think as “newer” holiday movies go, it’s one of the stronger entries. I also think with Xmas movies, you give them a bit more of a leash to be corny and predictable, so it didn’t bother me here. It would be lower if it wasn’t a Christmas movie, but since it is, 5.5 Dan Levi eye rolls out of 7.
Notable Names:
Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth
Why am I watching it?:
Netflix and my partner told me to.
Was Left Wanting More:
It’s hard to be left wanting when the movie is pretty much exactly as advertised. I didn’t expect the soiling herself scene, but the rest played pretty close to the framework - which I think is why a movie like this is made. So no - I didn’t really want anything more. If anything, the guy's character was a bit underdeveloped, but he isn’t meant to be the focus of the movie anyways.
Could Have Used Less:
Fan of Chenoweth in general, but at times this got old. Not her performance but the story line. I know she is meant to represent the model that Roberts is following in many ways, but some of it got tiring.
This One Was Just Right:
Again - most of it scratched the itch it was meant for.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
It’s funny how trend based movie making can be. We aren’t far removed from a time when you wouldn’t use F bombs liberally or have this many sexual references in a movie like this as the idea was it won’t sell. However, with R rated movies having occasional spikes over the past 5 years, and the fact that Netflix just makes whatever the algorithm tells it to - we have an assortment of movies I doubt would have been made a decade ago. Clearly, there were always R rated comedies, but I can’t think of too many that were marketed like this and yet made no attempt (until the predictable ending) of being edgy. Not sure online streaming of movies have helped in the overall sense, but it’s good to look at the positives. I also think there should be specific acting coaches that specialize in how to act drunk and high. It’s a tough skill and it’s very difficult to master. They did not master it here, but the attempt was note-worthy.
I wish you could buy and sell stock on celebrities and their careers. However, with that being said I don’t know if I would be a buyer or seller with Emma Roberts. She is for sure trying a handful of things over the past few years that have her bouncing from rom-coms with a twist and action/horrors with varying premises both edge and formulaic. It really does seem like she is going to be doing the “one for them and one for me” model - but I would say she will make a run at something awards baity over the next 2-4 years. If she hits, she gets pushed more like her Aunt Julia (but not as high) and if she misses, maybe more like her Dad (but not as low). Ultimately if you could buy her stock pretty low now - I would consider it… just be ready to sell.
Ranking:
I keep bouncing on what a 4.5 or a 5 is in my rankings. If the movie was likable and then forgettable… What is that? I’ll go with 5 as looking at the quotes of this movie I think if I watched it again, I would still kinda like it. So I’ll go with 5 fringe holiday parties out of 7.
Notable Names:
Kristin Davis, Rob Lowe
Why am I watching it?:
It was late and we were both falling asleep, yet I knew myself to know I wasn’t going to actually pass out so I needed something festive. Netflix seemed to really want me to watch this as I had been binging Christmas movies and I live in Africa. Not in Zambia, where I believe this was set, but for Netflix and most people that are not in Africa - I’m close enough.
Was Left Wanting More:
I can’t think of much. If safari’s were not something that I can get to easily, than perhaps that. But I can leave my house at 5:30 on a Sunday morning and have an outside shot of catching a lion pride on their early walk within the hour, so I’m good. I know Davis is big into the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and since I’m a fan, maybe some more info on that I guess I could have also used. Although I guess if that’s what you’re looking for you can either see the documentary she produces in 2014 or visit the site and see for yourself.
Could Have Used Less:
This is going to seem like I’m being unfair to Kristin Davis, but it’s just quite clear that she isn’t great in this movie. So the two things I could have used less involve her directly. One is in the plot. The “I went to Africa to find myself” trope is a bit much for me. Not because she doesn’t pull it off, but I’ve had to hear that out of so many people’s mouths in real life that I have a shelf life for that story line. The second is how often she over-smiles. I know it’s a standard for these types of holiday movies - but wow - you can’t end every conversation with a prolonged, “oh you..” smile.
This One Was Just Right:
I dug the family concept at the camp itself. I think that plays and is in live with much of my experience both in Kenya and in camping.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
I honestly can’t tell if they have chemistry. However, considering the movie and the knowledge that they will in fact get together at the end, it doesn’t bother me as I know their “coming together” will be short lived and positioned at the end of the movie.
Rob Lowe has such an interesting career. He has been on the circuit the past year and a bit, giving interviews where he talks about being a movie star in the 80’s and how much drugs and debauchery that entailed. I’ve heard him even question why someone would want to be famous now when it just means you have a microscope to all your actions, but don’t get the benefit of getting away with it in the end. It’s a solid point. But it only highlights that he had at one point filmed a sex tape with someone who was considered legal consensual age at the time (but not now) and this had little actual impact on his career. I realize at the time, it was meant to derail his career path, but look at the others in his elkage and tell me they did much better. Demi Moore and Estevez had the strongest careers in the 90’s for sure, but are we certain that Rob Lowe would have reached their ceilings? And if you look at his IMDB page, he never went more than 4 years without being in something of either critical or commercial success. And yet, he was always seen as though he was on some kind of a comeback. But if he never really truly left, how can he come back? Pretty remarkable considering he was a technicality away from being charged with statutory rape.
Ranking:
No regrets here as the movie is what it is supposed to be and nothing more. However, that doesn’t mean I have a desire to have this in my Christmas rolodex unless I’ve moved away from east Africa and want to feel nostalgic. 3 old timey safari planes out of 7.
Notable Names:
Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Pearlman, Christina Hendricks, Ian McShane
Why am I watching it?:
The holiday season had come and gone, and I was looking for one more to round out the line-up. I wanted something off the beaten path. I got it.
Was Left Wanting More:
Ian McShane. Sometimes when you get good actors in quirky movies like this, they don’t realize right away the movie will be horribly unbalanced, so they are trying. Although, sometimes you get an actor who has the skill set to do something with a role in a movie they know is a shit show, so they go way over the top. This is a performance that is right in between. It’s not over the top, but it’s on that path - yet still has the heart to pull it off. If you could take out a few of the other plot lines and just have McShane take the lead, this may have been a more passable flick.
Could Have Used Less:
It becomes demonstratively clear that the marriage isn’t going to work out, so when they try and prolong the moving on process, it’s a bit tiresome. I get that the movie is about transition so they didn’t want it to be immediate, but it just wasn’t ever really engaging. Also, the TV personality (Thomas Lennon) had the chance to be the best part of the movie. Sadly, he wasn’t so I wished he wasn’t such a large part of it after all.
This One Was Just Right:
Ironically, the casting is terrific in the major leads. Of course, talented people reading shit lines is still not fantastic, but they did run into a couple which helped. (“If a snake had ears would you screw it?”)
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
In retrospect, I’m unsure if this qualifies as a Christmas movie, but considering the family feel and magic at the end - I allowed it. It also does take place over Christmas, which was enough for me at the time.
Michael Shannon really does seek out the most peculiar roles. I’m not sure he gives this a Christmas feel, but he does make you partially empathize with his character.
How do you explain a career like Judy Greer’s? I know she made a short movie for Funny or Die about how she is always the friend, and never the lead - so clearly this is something she is dealing with. However, when you look up her choice of roles, she has an extensive list of good performances in both TV and movies - but nothing that would resemble a vehicle that works for her. She reminds me of the quote from Brad Pitt in Ocean’s 11 where he tells Matt Damon that his mark has to like him and then forget him the moment he’s left his side. I know he was telling him how to talk to Terry Benedict, but he may as well have been describing the career path of Judy Greer.
I enjoyed Shannon’s character talking about how epic his last drunk experience was, assuming that all people would remember this. People who don’t drink much assume everyone knows them and their experiences all too well. Real drunks have too many experiences like this to compartmentalize and assume/hope for the opposite.
Being as Hallmark has set a low bar, it is impressive that this one slides so low. The message and overall motif of mob mentality is certainly hit bluntly on the head and the relationships are simple enough to figure out quickly. Realistically, if this wasn’t so much about furries and a town with such odd public sexual habits, I bet it would have a Christmas following.
When I see a movie with a cast this talented and yet can’t see much in terms of redeeming qualities, I always wonder how the script reads. Did everyone here know what they were getting into, or did this sound like it could work when they all read it to themselves. I guess, I’m asking, was it the script or the direction?
Ranking:
Not much more to say here. I’m sure there is an online community championing this, but that’s not exactly the sign of a high standard. 3 furry costumes out of 7.
Notable Names:
Bill Murray, Michael Cera, George Clooney, Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, SNL, Lots of Famous People
Why am I watching it?:
Bill Murray made a Xmas movie. He is kinda playing himself. Also, Sophia Coppola.
Was Left Wanting More:
Not really anything. It’s exactly as advertised. There isn’t really a plot that you care about, but that’s the point I think. Even having Paul Schaffer there gives this a late night or TV special vibe, even if the plot doesn’t hit you over the head. This is exactly what Coppola wanted - so why would I want anything else.
Could Have Used Less:
I really don’t know where I stand on Miley Cyrus. I don’t really strongly feel anything about her, but for some reason when she is on screen, I’m uncomfortable. It’s like when there is a teen/tween/young adult in the room who is going through their rebellious stage so you know they will say 2-5 “spicy” things in a given evening to gage everyone’s response. I get it… but I can’t wait for her to move on as she is likely talented and doesn’t need the shock value anymore. Or maybe she does. I don’t know.
This One Was Just Right:
Bill Murray. If you even kind of wanted to be a fly on his wall, this will help reaffirm that.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
I enjoy that they mentioned Scrooged right off the bat. May as well get that done with.
Mention Scrooged
Wow, no one plays legit old man depressed like Murray. He can turn it on and off so quickly ... makes you laugh but also feel so worried. Yet, is there anyone else you would change lives with more?
He always gives the impression he is making things up as he goes.
I need my antlers- you always forget them.
Chris Rock running away was pretty great. I know I watched this at first before the 22 Oscars, but perhaps he should have employed that strategy while on stage.
You haven’t quit drinking yet have you? Should I? Ever tried a soiled kimono? Could anyone but Murray pull this off?
I was left wondering if this is a top 5 Coppola? If so - what does that say? I think I’m going to hold onto that as I’ll make my way back through her catalog and save that for another day.
Ranking:
It’s exactly what it should be. A solid 5 martinis out of 7.
Grading Scale
1 = No attempt or so bad it can’t be defined
2 = Failure, but at least you tried. May actually be worse than a legit
3 = Barely passable. You’re kinda close but you’re actually not.
4 = Passing grade. Nothing else to see here.
5 = Good all around. Tougher to get than you think, but no one seems happy when they get it. It means you tried, and you are just not exceptional. BUT.. you’re still good..
6 = Outstanding. Exceptional in at least a few ways. This is either all around excellence or just insanely strong in one or two vital ways.
7 = Top of the line. Transcendent. I will rewatch this consistently, or I have already.
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