This Christmas

I just can't say enough about the solid acting done in this movie. Delroy Lindo, Loretta Divine, Idris Elba and Regina King did stellar performances (I've never seen any of them NOT perform well). Chris Brown showed us he is more than a wonderful singer and dancer. I look forward to seeing him in more serious roles like this one. I believe he has a lot of potential to be a serious actor. It does have basic family movie clichés and slow in pace, but but the strong performances make up for it.

Chrisbrownhadpotential

Delightful crowd pleaser will have no surprises in store for anyone who has ever seen a Christmas (or family reunion) movie, but what makes this so satisfying is the way Whitmore consistently colours outside the lines, with uncommonly well observed family dynamics; Devine, Lindo and King are the standouts of an exceptional ensemble, and help wring genuine laughter and tears from the screenplay. Bonus points for a great soundtrack of Christmas carols, beautifully underscoring nearly every scene.

Excellent cast and good acting. About a large family including a few misfits. A great many subjects are dealt with including divorce, adultery, gambling, finding love, family drama, and so forth, which fills this movie with sub-plots. Some of the characters fall into stereotypical roles that are less than satisfying. Sometimes humorous. A few good musical performances, such as Chris Brown singing, and a jazzy piano version of "The Christmas Song". Beautiful women, and a cute family dance line.

"A holiday melodrama suffering from severe bloat." - Nick Schager