one of the all time great christmas films

Having read all the diverse comments it seems you either get this film or you don't. I think it is an under-rated classic - one that refers often to another favourite of mine Meet Me In St Louis, in the theme of changing partners, and the sense of great changes happening from one Christmas to the next. Yes, a major character dies, but Diane Keaton is happy and resolved in her final scene. It is still most definitely a feel-good movie, and a chance to see Rachel McAdams on the way up, Sarah Jessica Parker at her very best, and of course the incomparable Diane Keaton. Loved it, and watch it every Christmas.

I have to give my two cents here because I timidly agree lol...

This is not the kind of movie I ever thought I would like. I don't like Sarah Jessica Parker, I don't like cheap, silly, contrived romcom type stuff...

But, I am a total sucker for Christmastime, Christmas movies, etc. so when I saw this at someone else's house I decided the holiday spirit was done too well for me not to have it in my collection. So I bought it and enjoy it every year just for the cozy house and clothes and snow and holiday magic in it.

Well, having seen it several times now, and having just watched it last night, a little earlier than I normally watch it, I have decided that it's actually a pretty damn good movie, for what it is.

They did it well. The story doesn't feel too contrived, it's entertaining, even a bit hilarious here and there... and maybe they're trying to manipulate emotions with the whole cancer thing, but my mother has had cancer twice and while her death is my absolute worst nightmare, I really like that I can relate to their pain.

Like the mom in the movie, my mom isn't perfect, but nobody on earth can replace her and her good qualities outweigh the bad.

My only complaint is that the very cringe-worthy awkward scenes seem cleared up a little more easily than they would be in real life. Few families would be so mean only to be so repentant hours later.

Otherwise... yes. I realize this is a movie I will watch every year for the rest of my life and share with my family as a truly great holiday movie.

I have to give my two cents here because I timidly agree lol...

This is not the kind of movie I ever thought I would like. I don't like Sarah Jessica Parker, I don't like cheap, silly, contrived romcom type stuff...

But, I am a total sucker for Christmastime, Christmas movies, etc. so when I saw this at someone else's house I decided the holiday spirit was done too well for me not to have it in my collection. So I bought it and enjoy it every year just for the cozy house and clothes and snow and holiday magic in it.

Well, having seen it several times now, and having just watched it last night, a little earlier than I normally watch it, I have decided that it's actually a pretty damn good movie, for what it is.

They did it well. The story doesn't feel too contrived, it's entertaining, even a bit hilarious here and there... and maybe they're trying to manipulate emotions with the whole cancer thing, but my mother has had cancer twice and while her death is my absolute worst nightmare, I really like that I can relate to their pain.

Like the mom in the movie, my mom isn't perfect, but nobody on earth can replace her and her good qualities outweigh the bad.

My only complaint is that the very cringe-worthy awkward scenes seem cleared up a little more easily than they would be in real life. Few families would be so mean only to be so repentant hours later.

Otherwise... yes. I realize this is a movie I will watch every year for the rest of my life and share with my family as a truly great holiday movie.

I agree. I hope that someday people will come around and this film will take it's place as a holiday classic along side "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story".

People say the family is mean, but really they aren't. The sister, Amy, is. The others are rather nice and patient with Meredith. Ben is right, Meredith is a mess who tries too hard and who thinks everyone should love her from minute one. She needs to relax. She's the author of her problems, not the family.

It's a Christmas film that doesn't rely on Santa Claus or Angels or magic or outrageous situations, and that's a rare thing.

-Doughdee222

"Fire me, boy!"

I agree. I love it. Great family fim that isn't cheesey. Still makes me laugh & cry and feel warm & cozy.

I absolutely agree, when I first watched this I had no expectations and it blew me away, so touching, funny and sad. I LOVED the romance between Ben and Meredith and the touching way the story ends. This has become my go to Christmas movie now.

Definitely agree, this and Home Alone 2 are my favorite Christmas movies.

Just watched this for the first time today (on Halloween!) and thought it was well-acted and well-directed. The story had some interest, but ultimately I like my Christmas movies with a little more, um, Christmas in them. Spending nearly two hours with a Godless family in a Christmas movie is akin to eating cotton candy. It tastes good at first, but it ultimately ends up leaving you empty. I’m glad I was able to see it, but it’s not one I think I’ll revisit.

Your mileage may vary.