Four Christmases [Blu-ray]
Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 11/24/2009 Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Pg13When your significant other tells you you both need an exit “safe word” before you enter his dad’s Christmas gathering, you know you’re not in Bedford Falls. But while Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon may not be It’s a Wonderful Life’s George and Mary Bailey, Four Christmases is a modern holiday classic in its own right. For one thing, every family neurosis and dysfunction have taken root in the four families of Vaughn and Witherspoon’s characters, Brad and Kate–and the sleek yuppie façade each has built with the other is about to come tumbling down. There are real belly laughs as the couple unexpectedly has to spend holidays with their four extended family groups. “I don’t want to speak ill of your mother on Christmas,” growls Howard (Robert Duvall) to son Brad, while Brad’s bullnecked ultimate-fighter brothers are rassling everything in sight, “but she’s nothing but a common street whore.” Brad may cringe, but Kate’s own family is about to mortify her in abundant ways, from her randy “Gram-Gram” and about-to-pounce cougar mom Mary Steenburgen (”I feel like a Saudi prince in here,” marvels Brad as all of Kate’s female relatives drape themselves over him), to the revelation to Brad that Kate used to be–how to put this–a bit on the chubby side. If the plot isn’t full of surprises, the quips are nonstop and the acting believable and charming. The supporting cast also includes Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Jon Favreau and Dwight Yoakam in a memorable turn as the mega-church pastor Steenburgen’s character is involved with. It’s a comic Christmas blessing, and there’ll be no need to say “mistletoe”–at least not till the viewers are home with their own families. –A.T. Hurley
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Sometimes funny, no chemistry with stars
A Christmas dysfunctional family comedy where a couple is forced to visit each of their parents on Christmas despite their every intention to skip out on all of them. There are some funny moments, most of us can relate to one scene or another, so there is some good material here. However, it doesn’t run deep, and neither Vince Vaughn nor Reese Witherspoon can really bring this script to life. I felt zero chemistry between the two stars, and that might have made all the difference. As it stood, you don’t really have any connection to the stars, it’s almost like they are just two more supporting characters.
Anyway it’s an OK rental, but there’s nothing great here.
4 Stars Light entertaining comedy
Watched this movie with the grandkids and they laughed along with me. There were some parts that were not a typical Vince Vaugh. I do like his movies and he keeps my interest until the end but this one I had it all figured out half way through the movie.
3 Stars Not that funny
If you saw the trailer then you’ve seen all this movie has to offer. The leads have no chemistry and the story lacks any real emotion. All the laughs have been drilled into your head by the trailers so there was nothing left to laugh at.
4 Stars EXTREMELY PREDICTABLE, BUT VERY FUNNY!
‘Four Christmases’ is the kind of film that offers nothing new, but because of some hilarious performances feels better than if should be. We all know where this film is going from the word go, but Vaughn, Witherspoon and an wide assortment of stars playing their families just go all out and score big on the laugh meter. Even though this film is in a Christmas setting, I didn’t feel it to be a “Holiday” film. I think this film can be enjoyed anytime of year. 4 stars is probably a little too high of a rating, but I haven’t laughed this hard in a while! Thanks FM and Andrew for pointing this one out to me! 
4 Stars Light Hearted Holiday Fun!
I had originally seen this movie when it opened in theaters and I really enjoyed it although I knew there were no Oscars in it’s future! So when it was released on DVD for Christmas, I knew I wanted to purchase a digital copy. I have to say, this movie is worth the investment (I did get it when it went on sale). I’ve had multiple family visitors throughout the holiday season, all of whom have thoroughly enjoyed this film! Oddly, it seems the more I see it, the more I like it! This is just a charming, funny, and sometimes witty film with a healthy dose of physical comedy thrown in that anyone can find entertaining AND it is short enough that no one will get bored (it actually leaves you wanting more)! However, there is a noticable lack a romantic chemistry between Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, well….except in the opening scene when they are acting like other people…mmm…should have been a hint….ANYHOO… This is actually a movie that you can watch over and over again…and trust me…after a December and January with a house full of guests…I would know! It’s a mindless fun little holiday romp! If you’re looking for a deep, Oscar winnner type movie…keep looking, however, if you’re looking for a lot of fun and laughs for your family (I would put the young kids to bed before watching this one…it is PG13 for a reason) , this might be just the movie night for you!
Filed under: Blue Ray Movie Reviews