Charlotte and Sam are preparing for a family Christmas in the knowledge that their 40-year marriage will be ending soon afterwards. And all their family members - Charlotte's sister, their 3 adult children, and Dad – have relationship issues of one sort or another, all of which come home to roost in one way or another over Christmas.
This is a multi-thread feelgood comedy/drama. It has an excellent cast, headed by Diane Keaton and John Goodman, all of whom give pleasing performances in a film which, to be brutal, is predictable and trite. But to criticise it on that basis alone is to ignore its virtues. It is often genuinely amusing, and it is equally often moderately moving especially if you are of an age where the issues faced by Charlotte and Sam have a resonance for you personally. And these are nice people. It is enjoyable spending time in their company. And, if the feelgood ending is a little glib, what of it? It's Christmas, for heaven's sake!
Bob Dylan fans: note that there are half a dozen Dylan songs on the soundtrack.
This is a multi-thread feelgood comedy/drama. It has an excellent cast, headed by Diane Keaton and John Goodman, all of whom give pleasing performances in a film which, to be brutal, is predictable and trite. But to criticise it on that basis alone is to ignore its virtues. It is often genuinely amusing, and it is equally often moderately moving especially if you are of an age where the issues faced by Charlotte and Sam have a resonance for you personally. And these are nice people. It is enjoyable spending time in their company. And, if the feelgood ending is a little glib, what of it? It's Christmas, for heaven's sake!
Bob Dylan fans: note that there are half a dozen Dylan songs on the soundtrack.