A family learns the true meaning of "family" when they come together at Christmas in this movie starring Regina King, Delroy Lindo and Mekhi Phifer. Bonuses: deleted scenes, featurette, music video, commentary.
Like many holiday films, THIS CHRISTMAS mines the ample humor and drama of a family Christmas. Ma'Dere (Loretta Devine) is the matriarch to the large and loving Whitfield family, which consists of her three daughters--Kelli (Sharon Leal), Lisa (Regina King), and Mel (Lauren London)--and her sons--Michael (Chris Brown), Claude (Columbus Short), and Quentin (Idris Elba). They are an extremely attractive and successful bunch, but no sooner have they shared their first meal together than the hidden tensions begin to boil to the surface. Long-kept secrets come tumbling out, and the Whitfields soon engender enough drama to support several spin-off soap operas. There's interracial marriage, infidelity, gambling debts, an AWOL soldier, and repressed dreams of musical stardom, to name just a few of the issues they are forced to tackle in between stuffing the turkey and decorating the tree. Will their many problems and misunderstandings be resolved by Christmas day? Since this is a family holiday flick, the odds are, of course, quite good.
Despite the often heavy subject matter, the film has the glow and sheen of a lighthearted romantic comedy. The characters may be awash in drama, but they contend with their troubles in impeccable wardrobes and settings, so that even the barroom brawls have an almost cozy look to them. While some might feel the packed storyline was in more need of trimming than the tree, the tidy ending makes for perfect feel-good holiday fare. If only all family discord could end with a dance-off to Kool & the Gang!
This Christmas Reviews:
"[The cast is] a powerhouse group, beginning with a blazing Loretta Devine...and the great Regina King..." -- Grade: B-- Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
"[W]ith a festive jazz soundtrack and shot in widescreen compositions that invitingly capture the fast-changing groupings of a large family gathering."-- Patrick Fahy, Sight and Sound
everything in one I loved this movie,it had laughter, love, family, issues, solutions just everything. It was an all around great movie,very good stroyline,it was very enjoyable. And a fun holiday movie,with awesome characters and a very attractive cast. I think everyone who see's it will love it like i did! Submitted by Jessica (Louisville, KY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 4 found this helpful.
FANTASTIC My husband and I saw this movies in December 2007, it was great. There is a little bit of everything in there. Just loved it. Chris Brown was amazing.
Well done to a good family movie. Submitted by alice (Cape Town, RSA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Heartwarming and Entertaining I laughed out loud, I was surprised by and grooved with Chris Brown, and I left this movie wanting to plan a large Christmas dinner for/with my entire family. Wonderful movie! Submitted by Lynsy (Suffolk, VA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
no press for this movie Movie was excellent I dont remember it being released a must see movie for all afro-americans. 1 of my 3 favorite movies of all time. Submitted by D8KVYB (Pittsburgh) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
VERY GOOD CHRISTMAS MOVIE! this was a very good movie. i LOVE how the characters interacted with each other. it was funny and serious at the same time. it is worth the money and i will watch it every year at christmas. Submitted by tatt2meka (Detroit, Mi., USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family.
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.39 Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, French Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
FANTASTIC
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