All is well that ends well. If this is true, Christmas with the Kranks is a must-see (or a must-rent or must-purchase, however you’d like). But instead, the movie proves that clich? false.

The film, which was released on DVD in November, is somewhat atypical of a holiday story, because the central characters try to avoid the holiday cheer instead of partaking in the usual routine.

Tim Allen (the king of Christmas movies) and Jamie Lee Curtis star as Luther and Nora Krank, a typical suburban couple. With their daughter abroad over the Christmas season, the Kranks?usually the family in the neighbourhood who goes all out with decorations and a party?decide to skip everything to save money, and instead plan on going on a cruise.

They refuse to put up their giant Frosty, cancel their party, decide not to give out gifts or even send out their best wishes; essentially, they avoid Christmas for a year, thinking they’ll have more fun on a cruise then entertaining their neighbours. Why they didn’t just scale things back a little and still be courteous to their friends, instead of being Grinches, is never explained.

The neighbours don’t understand. They want to see Frosty put up on the roof, at the very least. Dan Aykroyd, the unofficial neighbourhood leader, encourages their participation, but they remain reluctant to conform. His tone is mean, but his dialogue is very courteous. He’s the most confusing character you will ever come across in a simple Christmas movie.

And then, hours before the Kranks’ cruise is to leave, they get a call. Their daughter is coming home. Now.

They must put together some sort of holiday feast so their daughter ? well for some reason they don’t just want to tell their daughter they are going on a cruise. With honesty, there would be no story, ergo no movie, so maybe that’s the reason. So the movie does prove one clich? true: honesty is the best policy.

As mentioned, the ending is strong (heartfelt, sappy), but does not quite make up for the first hour. Just don’t think about how much time you spent watching the movie (98 minutes, but who’s counting?) and you’ll stand up with a smile on your face.

Reflect on those 98 minutes and you’ll agonize over all the things you could have been doing instead.

No bonus features here; you won’t want any though after sitting through Christmas with the Kranks.

1*






Related Stories: