It's been a long time since we've gotten a genuine Christmas comedy to top the likes of CHRISTMAS VACATION or even A CHRISTMAS STORY for that matter. Okay, except maybe ELF. There's been some solid entries along the way, such as SCROOGED, HOME ALONE, A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, or, hell, even BATMAN RETURNS or DIE HARD. Maybe BAD SANTA, but that's not exactly one you watch with the whole family. Newer Christmas-themed pics just don't seem to measure up (see: CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRANKS, FRED CLAUS, FOUR CHRISTMASES, DECK THE HALLS etc.). Enter, LOVE THE COOPERS, a family ensemble Christmas comedy tale starring a surprisingly solid cast, including Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Olivia Wilde, Marisa Tomei, Ed Helms, Anthony Mackie, Jake Lacy, and Alan Arkin. Unfortunately, it looks pretty by-the-numbers, so don't break out the holiday cheer just yet.
Take a look:
Here's the synopsis:
LOVE THE COOPERS follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn to night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.
The last genuinely good Christmas flick I enjoyed was THE FAMILY STONE, which hardly anyone saw. A great balance of comedy, drama, and holiday-themed antics. The problem I see with LOVE THE COOPERS is that it just doesn't look like anything special, even with that impressive cast. Hopefully it's just by-the-numbers marketing and not a by-the-numbers flick, because it would be a shame to waste the talent and would be great to have a new Christmas flick that's worthy of the annual rotation.
LOVE THE COOPERS hits theaters on November 13, 2015.
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