Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Happy Christmas'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​Christmas films have always painted a lovely picture. Regardless of the journey the character may face, be it good or be it bad there is always a happy ending in some form or fashion that celebrates the wonder of this iconic holiday. Yet since film is always our chance to escape, often times these movies gloss over some of the tougher parts of the holiday.  

For example, there are some members of our family that we don't always see until this special time of year because well...we just know better than to spend time with them or spend time talking to them. They are sometimes the black sheep to us, and often times their track record in life has put them in that tough and unique place and it is that gritty look at family and our relationships with those we keep at bay that is central to the movie, Happy Christmas. 

The plot of the film is quite simple.  Kevin and Kelly enjoy a simple life in the city of Chicago. Kevin is a filmmaker, Kelly a budding writer and they are preparing to enjoy a low-key Christmas when Kevin's sister, something of a screw up named Jenny, breaks up with her boyfriend and comes to spend the holidays with her brother and his family.  

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The plot really is that easy to deal with because it's simply the catalyst for a fascinating character drama, specifically revolving around what an absolute mess Kevin's sister turns out to be. Jenny, played brilliantly by the talented Anna Kendrick, is a teenager at heart that never wants to grow up. It's all about the party for this twenty-seven year old and her antics quickly put her in an awkward position with her brother and sister-in-law.  

Yet the movie doesn't remain in such dark places for long, taking the opportunity to show that Jenny's outlook on life, while it may be reckless at times, also has its merits as she begins to inspire Kelly to change and evolve when it comes to her writing career. It's here where the film begins to grow as Kelly takes Jenny's advice and ideas on where her craft can go to heart and these are actually some lovely moments to watch as the two of them slowly bond and find a common ground they never knew they shared.

In fact that's what makes Happy Christmas such a lovely film. Despite the fact that it is a decidedly different Christmas film, delving into some ugly spots when it comes to Jenny and the screw up she truly is, it does its best to provide a hopeful and realistic outlook for the holiday. While there may be no angels here or the traditional cuddly finale, at its core it still serves to remind us to never stop hoping and dreaming and that family is still family regardless of their mistakes. Check this one out if you haven't yet, you'll definitely be glad you did.  

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