CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Christmas with the Kranks, despite superb comedic casting choices, descends into the weary abyss of a light Christmas romp that families may seasonally enjoy. The film’s redemptive factor lies in the forgiveness of an entire community that is passed on in a single ending gesture that defines the season’s purpose. While the movie’s failure lies in the fact that we already understand that decrying traditional patterns of behavior is not received well by impacted groups, the story’s redemptive factor lives in the forgiveness of an entire community that is shown in its pulling together to make good things happen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Luther Krank (Tim Allen) finds that his decision to forgo the Christmas holiday, to use those holiday funds for a cruise vacation with his wife, impacts his entire community—from his employees to the Boy Scouts to his neighbors to the police.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Roth for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce A. Block and Charles Newirth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nora Krank (Jaime Lee Curtis), Vic Frohmeyer (Dan Aykroyd), Spike Frohmeyer (Erik Per Sullivan), Officer Salino (Cheech Marin), Officer Treen (Jake Busey), and Umbrella Santa and Marty (Austin Pendleton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s all in the presentation. If entertainment fails in the presentation, it can often be corrected in the ending scenes for a good audience reaction. Somehow this film fails in its presentation and in its ending scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers