Although engaging in a way, it misses something. It feels like a half-hearted christmas story, that is totally predictable and all and sure it's about family values and such. But it left me wondering, what am I missing...? Hence the half-hearted rating.
59 Reviews
Not As Bad....
whlwtcher1 December 2019
Not sure about the bad reviews but I actually enjoyed this film. I thought the kids played exactly how they were written to be: entitled, spoiled, bougie kids who have been given everything, never knowing sacrifice, lack and hardship. I enjoyed the story, the acting (the actress who played Roxie was great!). It's a Christmas movie - give it a chance.
Unfortunately unlikable
mouldypeach1 December 2019
With the exception of Sonequa Martin-Green, there is not a single likeable character. She must have been exhausted carrying the whole damn movie!
It's not a *bad* film, but it feels about 3 hours long and the hideously unpleasant child characters kind of make you hope they have a crummy christmas.
Worst of all, sadly, is the dad... sheesh... wooden as a door!
It's not a *bad* film, but it feels about 3 hours long and the hideously unpleasant child characters kind of make you hope they have a crummy christmas.
Worst of all, sadly, is the dad... sheesh... wooden as a door!
Don't like the characters
annwilson10112 December 2019
More Sonequa, less everyone else.
kerryrobinson-301077 December 2019
Awful awful awful unwatchable tripe
chrisrowexxx1 December 2019
Problem with this kinda storyline is you have to care about the characters, bar the dead wife bit they are all just awful, jokes about 6 year old twins demanding stuff at knifepoint, an egotistical son who you could never root for, a mother in law as charismatically challenged as a shoe and a self centred selfish daughter, what a family. Then the dad who felt like an unfunny arrogant version of mike from my wife and kids was the worst, ignorant, arrogant and just plain irritating. Roxy was good but not enough to save this.
I struggled to the end but felt nothing, no warmth no nothing, a week after the masterpiece of klaus and let it snow which was fantastic it's back to cheap, stereotypical rubbish from Netflix.
I feel as well in 2019 they don't help by portraying black people in such a way. The attitudes, ghetto talk and stuff just feels dated.
Really unenjoyable from minute one. Beyond terrible acting and the worst kinda people you can't feel remotely sorry for.
I struggled to the end but felt nothing, no warmth no nothing, a week after the masterpiece of klaus and let it snow which was fantastic it's back to cheap, stereotypical rubbish from Netflix.
I feel as well in 2019 they don't help by portraying black people in such a way. The attitudes, ghetto talk and stuff just feels dated.
Really unenjoyable from minute one. Beyond terrible acting and the worst kinda people you can't feel remotely sorry for.
Things will get better
rtuck-0144328 November 2019
Who doesn't love a wee Christmas movie that warms you up and make you grateful for all you have. It also reminds you that although life can throw you curve balls, it won't be like that for ever. Things will get better.
Disrespectful kids/bad parenting
kimletnes30 November 2019
The way the kids talked to their father in this movie made me too upset to finish watching it. The fact that as a parent he let them treat him like that is just as bad. I won't be watching this with my kids or finishing it. I want a holiday movie to make us feel good not make me mad.
Cute enough feel-good Christmas movie
TamPalm28 November 2019
This is a cute enough little movie. Very "Black-ish"/ "Best Man Holiday" esque in terms of production quality, aesthetics, and setting, with a dose of Hallmark movie cheesiness to make it acceptable for a general audience. If you accept it for what it is, keep your expectations realistic, you'll find it enjoyable enough. Well, at the very least you'll find it watchable and won't be upset you spent time doing so.
Speaking of expectations, the two main characters exceeded mine. I've been so-so on Romany Malco's acting skills in the things I've seen him in, but I was pleasantly surprised with his performance in this movie. But it's his co-star whom deserves the honorable mention. I'm not familiar with her, but I think she carried this movie! I can't believe I haven't seen her in other things. I think she has tremendous star potential! The actor who played the son was also a pleasant surprise. Will also give a shout to Deon Cole for playing the funny villain pretty well.
There are weak spots: the older daughter's acting is somewhat mediocre. The plot is somewhat predictable. But not to the point it insults the audience's intelligence.
I think overall this is a quality, family-friendly offering from Netflix. Given some of Netflix's other more "agenda"-driven offerings, you have to take the non-offensive, non-controversial stuff when you can. Enjoy!
Speaking of expectations, the two main characters exceeded mine. I've been so-so on Romany Malco's acting skills in the things I've seen him in, but I was pleasantly surprised with his performance in this movie. But it's his co-star whom deserves the honorable mention. I'm not familiar with her, but I think she carried this movie! I can't believe I haven't seen her in other things. I think she has tremendous star potential! The actor who played the son was also a pleasant surprise. Will also give a shout to Deon Cole for playing the funny villain pretty well.
There are weak spots: the older daughter's acting is somewhat mediocre. The plot is somewhat predictable. But not to the point it insults the audience's intelligence.
I think overall this is a quality, family-friendly offering from Netflix. Given some of Netflix's other more "agenda"-driven offerings, you have to take the non-offensive, non-controversial stuff when you can. Enjoy!
Utterly Awful
Keeganamo2 December 2019
This was a really appalling film made up of some of the most unlikable characters I think I've ever seen in a Christmas movie. The kids were exceptionally unlikable and bratty (especially the son - ungrateful little s**t), it was painful to watch them on screen. Acting in general was pretty bad as well. I think I wanted to kick 90% of characters.
Sonequa Martin-Green was really good though. I sure hope the producers got her a back massage for carrying this entire film.
Sonequa Martin-Green was really good though. I sure hope the producers got her a back massage for carrying this entire film.
Way better than the usual holiday movie
mymeister9 November 2021
I liked this. It was a nice change from the "accomplished woman visits small town and sees the error of her evil ways".
The kids were portrayed as spoiled. Luckily they didn't dwell on any egregious behaviour - no one wants to watch extended bratty behaviour. But I actually thought the teenage son's situation was a little different. His sisters were straight out greedy and spoiled but he had a point to his complaint. His job had to be to study and get into Harvard. His dad's job was to fund it. This was yanked from him While obviously his dad didn't get fired on purpose, I never saw them actually acknowledge that the son's loss was or could be truly life changing. An acknowledgement can go a long way. Suggesting he go to community college with no actual discussion was something else. I know it wasn't the point of the movie but how about a conversation about alternate funding, scholarships etc. I mean they actually could have used the house sale money to fund the schooling. It reminded me of other situations where things have been yanked from teens and they are supposed to just get on with things with no acknowledgement that the teen has suffered a loss. They aren't just a child in the family but a person outside of the family.
If anything , this could have used more of the bad guys in the plot. I thought they were going to set up more roadblocks to the new radio station. I think that is where this movie could have shone.
It was a solid 7 and +1 for Darlene Love belting out her signature Christmas song at the end. Look her up if you don't know her history.
The kids were portrayed as spoiled. Luckily they didn't dwell on any egregious behaviour - no one wants to watch extended bratty behaviour. But I actually thought the teenage son's situation was a little different. His sisters were straight out greedy and spoiled but he had a point to his complaint. His job had to be to study and get into Harvard. His dad's job was to fund it. This was yanked from him While obviously his dad didn't get fired on purpose, I never saw them actually acknowledge that the son's loss was or could be truly life changing. An acknowledgement can go a long way. Suggesting he go to community college with no actual discussion was something else. I know it wasn't the point of the movie but how about a conversation about alternate funding, scholarships etc. I mean they actually could have used the house sale money to fund the schooling. It reminded me of other situations where things have been yanked from teens and they are supposed to just get on with things with no acknowledgement that the teen has suffered a loss. They aren't just a child in the family but a person outside of the family.
If anything , this could have used more of the bad guys in the plot. I thought they were going to set up more roadblocks to the new radio station. I think that is where this movie could have shone.
It was a solid 7 and +1 for Darlene Love belting out her signature Christmas song at the end. Look her up if you don't know her history.
WARNING don't spoil your kids is the lesson.
zendatrim1 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I am not sure why the awful ratings. I wasnt going to watch it, but have noticed that low ratings on IMDB doesnt mean the film is not watchable usually far from it, so I gave it go.
Everyone was focused on the kids, they were spoilt rotten because the father tried to compensate for them as they lost their mother which kind of bounces back on you when you get fired from a lucrative job.
The kids were vile, spoilt. The father tried his best was totally out of his depth. When he is fired, his busness partner steps in and they join forces and start a new radio station.
This is like a pantomine on celluloid, with the villian of the peace boo hiss and the fairy godmother, and over acting, BUT I still enjoyed it. I watch these films tongue in cheek, I dont take them seriously they are made to just chill out and while away an hour or two.
The family go back to their routes. The son misbehaves but then you find out why and it was quite a touching reason to be honest. The house they had to move back too was actually quite a nice house was wear they were born.
Really just watch it with no expections, it doesnt deserve 1 rating IMHO.
I agree with the sentiment, its not what you have, but who is around you, so true. I have nothing anymore but I do have wonderful famliy which for me makes my life is what i learnt from this.
Come on guys it was just a small movie not meant to be an oscar winner.
Everyone was focused on the kids, they were spoilt rotten because the father tried to compensate for them as they lost their mother which kind of bounces back on you when you get fired from a lucrative job.
The kids were vile, spoilt. The father tried his best was totally out of his depth. When he is fired, his busness partner steps in and they join forces and start a new radio station.
This is like a pantomine on celluloid, with the villian of the peace boo hiss and the fairy godmother, and over acting, BUT I still enjoyed it. I watch these films tongue in cheek, I dont take them seriously they are made to just chill out and while away an hour or two.
The family go back to their routes. The son misbehaves but then you find out why and it was quite a touching reason to be honest. The house they had to move back too was actually quite a nice house was wear they were born.
Really just watch it with no expections, it doesnt deserve 1 rating IMHO.
I agree with the sentiment, its not what you have, but who is around you, so true. I have nothing anymore but I do have wonderful famliy which for me makes my life is what i learnt from this.
Come on guys it was just a small movie not meant to be an oscar winner.
Tired of Rotten Kids Movies
dreadlocs3 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This movie brought nothing new to the stable of holiday movies. The characters aren't particularly likeable, the storyline is typical and predictable and I feel Netflix really dropped the ball here. 6-year old kids know how to start a GoFundMe campaign to get Christmas gifts for themselves, but they can't understand that their father lost his job. Then there are the 2 oldest kids who are selfish, spoiled rotten, and cliched.
The drama and conflict seems very forced to the point that it doesn't seem like the characters in the movie believe the plot. I'm tired of seeing movies and TV shows with spoiled rotten, selfish, unlikeable kids, and parents who are nothing but ATMs. Why not depict kids with character who understand the love of a parent? We should be beyond this crappy, formulaic bs in 2019. Netflix, please do better.
The drama and conflict seems very forced to the point that it doesn't seem like the characters in the movie believe the plot. I'm tired of seeing movies and TV shows with spoiled rotten, selfish, unlikeable kids, and parents who are nothing but ATMs. Why not depict kids with character who understand the love of a parent? We should be beyond this crappy, formulaic bs in 2019. Netflix, please do better.
Over acting show
mamgueomhle15 October 2020
If you hate christmas movies (like the makers of this one), watch this movie!
fverdult3 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A single father who loses his job just before christmas, and 4 spoiled kids who need to learn the meaning of christmas, and loat their mother to cancer. After all the bad plots this reasonable good christmas plot could (even with these not-so-great actors) create a very good heartwarming christmas movie. And this time not with a white family, but with African Americans, great new idea.
But then they gave this plot to moviemakers who have no band with christmas whatsoever, so they managed to mess up this plot big time.
After this movie you would think that black people in general (because every character in the movie with every background is black) have no christmas spirit, think that R&B is good for christmas spirit (while black people have great Christmas gospels about Jesus, or great examples of beautiful heartwarming songs in pop music or the movie Sister Act), they think that christmas is all about money and themselves (I am not talking about the spoiled kids but almost every character in this movie, at any moment). I am white myself, but I would think this movie is a racial act of bad white people who again try to kick down our image of black people. The makers of the movie manage to push down immediately every moment in the movie that could be heartwarming, by an unrealistic dialog or cliche, as if its makers want to rub in your face that black people can tell you how stupid Christmas is. With crazy umbelievable dialogs and character developments;
Kids (while decorating a christmas tree) say suddenly to an aunt they never had any interest in "I love you", because... they are decorating a tree together. Yes, this happens in other Christmas movies too, BUT ONLY if the decoration of the tree plays an important role (as it should play in Christmas movies), here the decoration as the hugging both happened for no reason whatsoever.
A woman never wanting a child of her own, suddenly states she is ready to have a baby of her own because she held the baby of a stranger for a second. This realisation fits in a Christmas movie, BUT ONLY when this theme plays an important role in the storyline. Here it comes from nowhere, and is just plain stupid.
A former manager who caused the fired DJ and producer a lot of problems while doing his job, quits his job and gives all of his money to the starting station of the DJ. Great christmas development, BUT ONLY if this had a meaning; if this -for instance- is the reason the struggeling starting station could survive or something. But the reaction of the DJ's producer immediately stops your heart from warming up as she (clearly not-impressed) says: More cash won't hurt. Then WHY DID THE MAKERS OF THIS MOVIE MAKE HIM QUIT HIS JOB AND GIVE AWAY ALL HIS MONEY?? If it is clearly of no importance to anyone or anything in this movie
I could say something about almost every scene that was just bad scripting and even worse directing.
Furhermore, there is no character development, or just no effect to the character at all;
To the makers of this movie: if you hate Christmas and black people this much, don't make Christmas movies starring black people!
To people who like Christmas and do not have any problems with black people; save yourself and do NOT watch this movie.
But then they gave this plot to moviemakers who have no band with christmas whatsoever, so they managed to mess up this plot big time.
After this movie you would think that black people in general (because every character in the movie with every background is black) have no christmas spirit, think that R&B is good for christmas spirit (while black people have great Christmas gospels about Jesus, or great examples of beautiful heartwarming songs in pop music or the movie Sister Act), they think that christmas is all about money and themselves (I am not talking about the spoiled kids but almost every character in this movie, at any moment). I am white myself, but I would think this movie is a racial act of bad white people who again try to kick down our image of black people. The makers of the movie manage to push down immediately every moment in the movie that could be heartwarming, by an unrealistic dialog or cliche, as if its makers want to rub in your face that black people can tell you how stupid Christmas is. With crazy umbelievable dialogs and character developments;
Kids (while decorating a christmas tree) say suddenly to an aunt they never had any interest in "I love you", because... they are decorating a tree together. Yes, this happens in other Christmas movies too, BUT ONLY if the decoration of the tree plays an important role (as it should play in Christmas movies), here the decoration as the hugging both happened for no reason whatsoever.
A woman never wanting a child of her own, suddenly states she is ready to have a baby of her own because she held the baby of a stranger for a second. This realisation fits in a Christmas movie, BUT ONLY when this theme plays an important role in the storyline. Here it comes from nowhere, and is just plain stupid.
A former manager who caused the fired DJ and producer a lot of problems while doing his job, quits his job and gives all of his money to the starting station of the DJ. Great christmas development, BUT ONLY if this had a meaning; if this -for instance- is the reason the struggeling starting station could survive or something. But the reaction of the DJ's producer immediately stops your heart from warming up as she (clearly not-impressed) says: More cash won't hurt. Then WHY DID THE MAKERS OF THIS MOVIE MAKE HIM QUIT HIS JOB AND GIVE AWAY ALL HIS MONEY?? If it is clearly of no importance to anyone or anything in this movie
I could say something about almost every scene that was just bad scripting and even worse directing.
Furhermore, there is no character development, or just no effect to the character at all;
- have the kids learned about true meaning of christmas? No, at the end they only accept that they have to be a little less rich for a short while until dad does his job right
- the kids have gotten a new mother, big change in their lives, but without any meaning for the storyline (no romantic christmas development)
- the DJ starts a new relationship after his wife died, big change, but emotionally of no importance at all in the entire movie (accept for one hug moment with his new love)
- the producer decides suddenly she is ready for kids of her own, big change, but in this movie it was no big deal and after this realisation you hear nothing about it anymore
To the makers of this movie: if you hate Christmas and black people this much, don't make Christmas movies starring black people!
To people who like Christmas and do not have any problems with black people; save yourself and do NOT watch this movie.
Terrible
abbylowe-217031 December 2019
Better than not.
asmithee237 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love me some Darlene Love. Her older Christmas music is on endless rotation at my house during the holiday season, you know - 01/01 to 12/25. Yeah, all year. She's great at as the older Aunt, you believe the family vibe, you feel for the widowed Dad who is suddenly laid off right before Christmas, the kids are funny, in my opinion because the whole point is that they are spoiled and out of touch with the true Christmas spirit. The producer, whoa, how can this ordinary guy get such beautiful women? She is out of his league. Sonequa Martin-Green is a great actress. Is it perfect? No, this kind of movie just doesn't have much of a chance of being an amazing cinematic wonder. The one thing I wonder is why didn't they move in Aunt Jo and sell her house with the one bathroom vs. selling the McMansion??
Just a really bad movie
hiphop_cy22 December 2019
Enjoyable enough!
jannahjoy29 December 2019
Light-hearted, enjoyable movie to watch that doesn't require any brain power to watch. Pretty cheesy and predictable, and with some so-so acting from the children, but a feel-good movie nonetheless.
Watched it with my pre-teen/teen kids and they loved it (aside from the kissing scene!).
Adult movies have better acting
joergwohde6 December 2019
A good Christmas movie!
rmcaruso117 December 2019
I went in having no clue what other people thought of this movie, because I have pretty low standards for Netflix made films. This movie was actually good! It was cute and funny. I have no idea why it's rated so low.. just because the kids are spoiled makes this a bad plot? The whole point of the movie is that the dad wants to make his children happy and give them everything he can. It's just a silly Christmas movie. It could've been better, yes, but it wasn't a 1/10!
For what it is, it's pretty good
ant890012 December 2019
Watch another Netflix Original Christmas film
olivewahh27 December 2019
When popular DJ host Rush loses his job, he has to rethink his life expenses and make some sacrifices that his children aren't willing to accept.
Those children were the most unlikable chracters, specially those twins. Possibly could've been the script they were provided with but their acting didn't help. As for the dad, he wasn't that much better either. It was hard to feel his emotions and I struggled to understand what he was even after in this film. Wether it to be look after his kids, find love or get his job back. Like he seemed to have everything on the side.
It's not the most warmest Christmas feels film, but it's also not the worst. I wouldn't be any "rush" to recommend this to anyone when there are other Netflix Original films based around Christmas that are a lot better to watch
Those children were the most unlikable chracters, specially those twins. Possibly could've been the script they were provided with but their acting didn't help. As for the dad, he wasn't that much better either. It was hard to feel his emotions and I struggled to understand what he was even after in this film. Wether it to be look after his kids, find love or get his job back. Like he seemed to have everything on the side.
It's not the most warmest Christmas feels film, but it's also not the worst. I wouldn't be any "rush" to recommend this to anyone when there are other Netflix Original films based around Christmas that are a lot better to watch
That movie stealed 92min of my life
nils_krueger26 December 2019
Waste of time
andykowal-2316113 December 2020
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