Three Wise Guys

So "Three Wise Guys" is a little trite. What post-"Home Alone 1" Christmas movie isn't? The point is, this makes trite very enjoyable, though it's a far cry from the best Christmas entertainment ever.

When I first saw this on USA, I knew I'd found another 25-December tradition. It reworks the pivotal nativity story into a modern world that involves three brash hit men, a tricky pregnant girl, and a "little drummer boy" named Jake Marley. Tom Arnold is the modern-day King Herod.

Katey Sagal, Arnold, and two of the three wise guys give fantastic performances. The weak link is Judd Nelson, whose delivery is almost always like he's reading from cue cards or just trying to get out of dodge.

And maybe a TV movie isn't exactly going to be four-star cinema (contrary to the vivid impression left by Hallmark's stunning "Merlin"), but this is definitely a lot better than even some theatrical Christmas excursions ("Christmas with the Kranks," for instance, or "The Santa Clause").

I just finished watching this movie and I must say that I loved it! I am NOT a TV watcher, I just do not have the time but I happened to pass by the channel it was on and it instantly caught my eye. It's a feel good movie and is great for the family to watch! The chemistry between the actors was great and it was so much fun to watch. The three wise guys were funny and likable, all of whom did a great job. I just love Judd Nelson and have always found him funny..but the other two I didn't recognize. They were awesome! And the actress who played Mary definitely has a talent for comedy. I thought it was a well done movie, with an excellent message...the story of Christmas!

Despite the reviews of the more popular critics I found this movie to be a "fun" movie to watch. For relaxing entertainment I like a movie that is slightly predictable with a "corny" plot, that is not particularly thought provoking, or full of nail-biting suspense or emotion evoking drama yet is still entertaining and this movie was perfect. I love Nicholas Turturro, Katey Sagal, and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe and I think Katey Sagal was just perfect in her role and Nick Turturro, he is awesome and he really must be a "wise guy"! I must confess, I've watched it twice and recorded it on TiVo. With so much drama, violence and way too many reality shows this movie was really refreshing. Absolutely loved it!

Three Wise Guys is about three goofy hit men that go after a boss's pregnant girlfriend to bring her back and kill her other boyfriend. The only problem is that the baby is the boyfriend's and the wife knows all about it. While doing this they also have to deal with the boss's accountant who might turn on the boss in a federal investigation. Then the hit men fall for the girl and wind up getting into to nasty snarls trying to get the girl without hurting her in her 'delicate' condition. Of course she doesn't pull any punches. The near perfect casting of well established and very recognizable comic actors makes the thin plot work as the comedy is nonstop. The title has a dual meaning as you will see at the end. I didn't notice any swearing or thing that would make it unsuitable for kids. If you're looking for situational comedy executed very well, this is for you.

Not your ordinary Christmas movie fare. It's a reworking of the Nativity done sorta mob style, out of Las Vegas and in the Nevada desert, but in a Made-for-TV way, lightened up without the swearing and such for the American television USA Network. Good cast with Judd Nelson, Tom Arnold, Katey Sagal and others. Judd was underused and Arnold didn't have a big enough part. The Angel Boreanz wannabe (Eddie McClintock) was the real star. I never even heard of the dude before this! He does a great job, fake accent and all, and it all comes together nicely. Not exceptional but some light entertainment value to be sure.

5.6 / 10 stars

--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener