“This Christmas”

Rating: 8.5/10

Starring

Loretta Devine, Chris Brown, Regina King, Columbus Short

Plot

For the first time in four years, the entire Whitfield clan has come home for the holiday. However, it’s not quite like Christmas without a little family drama, or in the Whitfields’ case, a lot of drama.

The Good

The actors convey a realistic family, complete with hugs and fights, but in a comedic light.

The Bad

With all the different family members, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of them all without getting lost in the beginning.

The Lowdown

It’s a great, feel-good holiday movie that’s entertaining and realistic. Christmas is always depicted as the merriest time of the year where families come together to sing carols around the fireplace. Realistically, it’s not always so merry.

In Preston Whitmore II’s “This Christmas,” the Whitfield family is portrayed as a happy family on the outside. However, each member has personal secrets just itching to come out — all on Christmas Eve, of course.

Like a real family Christmas, the Whitfields experience tears, a few fights and a lot of food. Unfortunately, the movie becomes overwhelming with six children all with different agendas, mom’s live-in boyfriend, a cheating husband and a couple of bookies.

The film loses its way in the beginning, and with so many subplots, it seems obvious why some are left unanswered. Despite minor holes, however, the film comes together and finishes off in true holiday spirit — with everyone together around the dinner table.

The chemistry between the actors is noteworthy – they bond as a real family would. As writer and director of the film, Whitmore captures the essence of family, with all of the stresses and joys that usually take place during the holidays.