Name: Best. Christmas. Ever!
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2023-11-16T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Brandy Norwood, Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, Matt Cedeño, Wyatt Hunt

The opening scene of Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023) is a stark contrast: Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham), frazzled and envious, tears open Jackie Jennings’ (Brandy Norwood) annual holiday newsletter, while Jackie’s family poses in their impeccably decorated home, radiating perfection. This moment sets the stage for Mary Lambert’s Christmas rom-com, a film that aims to pit modest against extravagant, authenticity against artifice.

Written by Todd Gallicano and Charles Shyer, the film follows Charlotte as she attempts to prove her old friend Jackie’s life isn’t as idyllic as it seems. The premise is ripe for comedic mishaps and heartwarming revelations, but Best. Christmas. Ever! stumbles in execution. The screenplay struggles with pacing, spending too much time on Charlotte’s petty jealousy without making her relatable or funny. Heather Graham tries to inject charm into the role, but the dialogue often falls flat, leaving her with little to work with.

The film’s structure is another issue. The first act drags as it sets up the conflict between Charlotte and Jackie, while the second act feels rushed, hurdling through plot points without allowing them to breathe. The third act twist about Jackie’s late son Daniel is handled with surprising sensitivity, but it comes too little, too late to save the film from its earlier missteps.

Brandy Norwood, however, shines as Jackie Jennings. Her performance is warm and charismatic, providing a much-needed anchor for the film. The chemistry between Norwood and Graham is palpable, and their scenes together are the highlight of the movie. Jason Biggs, as Rob Sanders, delivers a solid supporting performance, but his character feels underdeveloped, serving mostly as a plot device rather than a fully realized person.

The film’s attempt to balance comedy with emotional depth falls short. The humor often feels forced, relying on slapstick and over-the-top situations that don’t land. Meanwhile, the emotional beats are telegraphed from miles away, lacking the subtlety needed to make them resonate. For instance, the scene where Charlotte snoops around Jackie’s house is meant to be tense and comedic, but it comes off as awkward and cringe-worthy instead.

The production design and cinematography are competent, capturing the cozy, festive atmosphere of a Christmas movie. The Jennings’ home is a visual feast, decked out in holiday decor that oozes warmth and luxury. However, the film’s visual style lacks any standout moments or creative flair. The soundtrack is similarly unremarkable, failing to elevate the emotional highs or comedic lows.

Mary Lambert’s direction is serviceable but uninspired. She fails to bring anything fresh or exciting to the table, relying on tired tropes and well-worn conventions of the Christmas rom-com genre. The film’s pacing issues are largely due to her lack of control over the material, as she allows scenes to drag on without any clear sense of purpose.

Themes of friendship, family, and the true meaning of Christmas are explored, but they are handled in a heavy-handed manner that feels more preachy than insightful. The film’s attempts at social commentary—such as the scene where Charlotte’s company implodes due to faulty vacuum cleaners—feel tacked on and out of place.

Best. Christmas. Ever! aims for the heartwarming, fish-out-of-water comedy of films like The Family Stone, but it ultimately falls short. The film’s attempts at humor and emotional depth are often clumsy and predictable, leaving little room for genuine laughter or tears. The third act twist about Jackie’s late son Daniel is a powerful moment, but it’s not enough to salvage the rest of the film’s shortcomings.

The film’s target audience seems to be fans of traditional Christmas rom-coms, but even they may find Best. Christmas. Ever! disappointing. Those looking for something fresh and innovative will likely be left wanting. The film’s lack of originality and reliance on tired tropes make it feel more like a retread of better films in the genre.

In conclusion, Best. Christmas. Ever! is a missed opportunity. With its talented cast and festive premise, it had the potential to be a standout entry in the Christmas rom-com genre.