Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Four Christmases’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

People have some supremely unique views, when it comes to the holiday season. Because for some folks it truly is a magical time, one filled with memories and good food and worthwhile voyages around town to visit with those they love. While on the other hand, there are plenty of people who despise this time of year. Because they have sour memories of the holidays and have family members that they don’t get along with, and that motivates them to avoid the celebrations at all costs. But there is one other interesting aspect that comes to this polarizing view of the holidays, in that, popular media tends to work hard to only spotlight the positive aspects of the season.

Because most movies and shows that take place during this time of year, are about as sweet and cute as they come. Granted, they will inject a little strife into the story, but only so that the characters can overcome it and enjoy the wonder and the majesty of the holiday season by way of hot cocoa and heartwarming carols before the story fades to black. If anything, it is understandable why studios stick to this formula, because sometimes you just need to surround yourself with a warm and fuzzy story. But there isn’t anything wrong with showing the sour side of the holidays, as long as it is handled in an objective fashion and thankfully, there are a few holiday films out there that examine the ‘dark side’ of the season in that manner, and one that is of note is 2008’s, Four Christmases.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to Brad and Kate. Who are a loving if not slightly stuffy couple and well, they’re not big on the holidays. Mainly because their families are a bit of a mess thanks to multiple divorces and constant infighting, and that’s motivated them to always find a way to politely and deceptively decline the many holiday invitations they receive, so they can go enjoy the season on their own terms. But a freakish change in weather and a surprise television interview, reveals to their families exactly how they spend the season, and that unfortunate reveal is now going to force them to celebrate the holidays in a more traditional manner. An act that is going to change their lives and their outlook on the season, in ways they never thought possible.

So, what makes this movie of note, is the sheer fact that it presents the holiday season in a supremely realistic manner. Because we all have shared in the experience of having to venture to multiple houses to eat and exchange gifts and we all know how stressful that can be. After all, you’re on a timetable when it comes to each stop and you’re battling hunger at one point and the meat sweats at another and the relatable moments present in this film, don't end there. For a lot of the characters that we run into during Kate and Brad’s adventures definitely resemble some of our quirkier family members and really, it’s wonderful that the film goes this route. Because not only does it allow for the audience to laugh hearty at the wild situations that play out over the course of this story, but the giggles in question allow for the viewer to lower their guard and become receptive to the lovely messages about the season that this movie sends our way.

Which might make it sound as though this story ends in a supremely happy manner a la It’s a Wonderful Life, but that’s simply not the case. No, instead, this movie doesn’t ask us to use the holidays to solve all of our problems or look for a deeper meaning in regard to our purpose in life while we decorate the tree. It just asks us to forget about the past and the things that frustrate us that we have no control over… and instead look at what we have in front of us right now. Because that’s the stuff that matters and that's the real gift that we've been given. And it also makes a point to inform the viewer, that if you want a little peace within your family life, to go for it and do what you must to get it and really in the end, all of these elements make this comedy a unique one for certain. Simply because it truly does offer up an honest perspective on how we should view the holidays and all the ups and downs that the season sends our way.   

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