Lovell plays it relatively straight as the chirpy, snowglobe-loving career woman who doesn't want to be distracted by all of this holiday cheer, because it only reminds her of her tough childhood. Her awkward romance plays out along the expected trajectory, although Jackson adds some nicely twisted energy as the likeable Frank, whose rivalry with McPartlin's swaggering Chance is even more ridiculous than expected. Meanwhile, Dratch and Gasteyer are essentially playing sketch-comedy characters, and thankfully they're very good at it.

While the film provides plenty of seasonal silliness, there isn't enough going on under the surface to make this a comedy classic. Pointed subtext might have made the whole project both funnier and less forgettable. But jokes about ethnicity and sexuality, while topical and clever, are nutty observations rather than meaningful jabs. Even the whole property development plot is a throwaway bit. And at least now we have a dopey Christmas romcom that's worthy of being a guilty pleasure.

themes, language

9.Dec.21

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