Almost Christmas (2016)
There are two types of Christmas movies: those that make you laugh, and those that make you cry. Since it’s such a sentimental time of year, it’s very tricky to accomplish both. That’s why no matter how valiantly Almost Christmas tries to make you laugh, it’s nearly impossible after you’ve finished mopping up your tears from the opening sequence. It’s an extremely touching montage showing the happily married years of a couple who first got together in 1971. As the years and Christmases pass, they raise four children. It truly embodies the age-old question, “Where did the time go?” The montage ends with a gray-haired Danny Glover (the husband) holding the program for his wife’s funeral.
How can you laugh after that? The premise of the rest of the film is also sad: Danny’s four adult children have all gone their separate ways and no longer get along. He invites them to come home for the first Christmas without their mother, and it just isn’t the same. Once again, how can you laugh at that? Well, this movie certainly tries, with little squabbles, quick quips, and family jokes that try to snap you out of the somber mood. I’m sure there are many audience members who won’t be able to stop laughing, and for good reason. If the matriarch of the family was still alive and it was just an ordinary family Christmas, I’d split a gut myself.
But keep in mind the title of the film: Almost Christmas. Without the mom, it’s just not the same. Anyone who’s own mother is the heart and soul of Christmas will probably need to bring a handkerchief with them. I was drawn in by the cast. I love Danny Glover, and I’ll watch anything with Gabrielle Union. The other children are played by Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, and Jessie Usher. In-laws and aunties include Mo’Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Omar Epps, J.B. Smoove, and John Michael Higgins. All in all, I’m glad I watched it, and I was glad to give my mom an extra hug after the credits rolled.
More Danny Glover movies here!
More Christmas movies here!
How can you laugh after that? The premise of the rest of the film is also sad: Danny’s four adult children have all gone their separate ways and no longer get along. He invites them to come home for the first Christmas without their mother, and it just isn’t the same. Once again, how can you laugh at that? Well, this movie certainly tries, with little squabbles, quick quips, and family jokes that try to snap you out of the somber mood. I’m sure there are many audience members who won’t be able to stop laughing, and for good reason. If the matriarch of the family was still alive and it was just an ordinary family Christmas, I’d split a gut myself.
But keep in mind the title of the film: Almost Christmas. Without the mom, it’s just not the same. Anyone who’s own mother is the heart and soul of Christmas will probably need to bring a handkerchief with them. I was drawn in by the cast. I love Danny Glover, and I’ll watch anything with Gabrielle Union. The other children are played by Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, and Jessie Usher. In-laws and aunties include Mo’Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Omar Epps, J.B. Smoove, and John Michael Higgins. All in all, I’m glad I watched it, and I was glad to give my mom an extra hug after the credits rolled.
More Danny Glover movies here!
More Christmas movies here!