"Four Christmases" Movie Disappoints

Caricatures Surround Vaughn & Witherspoon

Little holiday warmth emanates from Four Christmases, also known as Four Holidays, released by Alliance Films and directed by Seth Gordon.

Four Christmases Plot

Lovebirds Kate and Brad are the quintessential yuppy couple who forsake all spirit of a family Christmas and fly away to warmer climes.

When the family finds out, and the trip gets canceled in no short order, the couple must descend on their respective parents' homes.

Since the parents have all been separated for years, Kate and Brad must "drop in" on 4 distinct Christmases.

Four Christmases Disappoints

Even though an A-list cast is on hand, the film fails to really take off in this 88-minute movie.

All that can go wrong does, as viewers are treated to a series of supposedly comic moments where the insults fly fast and furious. Each of the main actors and supporting cast are great performers in their own right, but together they are beholden to a lackluster script. And when the film gets serious, things further descend downward.

Both Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers) and Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde) make a nice-looking couple, but their relatives are dreadful over-the-top caricatures.

Former Godfather great Robert Duvall gets relegated to blue humor mode, while feisty Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers) seems destined to worship. Jon Voigt (National Treasure) is sadly also a holiday sweater-wearing, 2-dimensional character.

Best suited to a cold rainy rental, Four Christmases offers little glad tidings for those looking for some fun or satisfaction.