The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)

Good concept, poorly executed.

Fantastic!

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

A delayed flight, a woman who's lost sight of what Christmas is all about, and a kindly Uncle all combine for this wonderful Christmas Hallmark film, that pulls you in and provides a lovely 80+ minutes of entertainment.I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and thought the cast (including Henry Winkler no less) did a great job. The story line is sweet and funny, and actually has some important messages thrown in along the way.There are lots of films that claim to be 'Christmas classics' that really aren't, but this is a worthy contender.

Ralph is a retired police officer who has worked as a New York cop for over 38 years. He plans on visiting his niece Jennifer in Chicago for the holidays. Jennifer is a successful businesswoman and the single mother of her young son Brian. She grew up all her life mostly at Ralph's, as her mother was constantly traveling and her father died when she was very young. Since then, she has lost her Christmas spirit. At the airport, Ralph has no idea where he has to be and he is helped by co-traveler Morgan Derby, a 30-year-old chef who has trouble accepting his age. When it turns out his second flight to Denver is canceled, Ralph offers Morgan to a place to stay at Jennifer's house.Although Jennifer is initially reluctant to take in Morgan, Ralph convinces her to allow him to stay since he is a top chef and she needs someone to make her son a turkey. They soon come to the conclusion that they are two completely different people. Jennifer is irritated by his careless and adventurous behavior and Morgan feels that she is a cynical control freak, which is mostly the result of dating the successful but materialistic businessman Richard Windom. Ralph, however, feels that they are perfect for each other and tries to prevent Jennifer from sending Morgan away.This film is SUPERB entertainment. It very funny. I would of scored it a 10 but the ending delves into a cliché. However the first 80 Minutes are just fantastic.

Christmas-themed romantic comedies seem to be all the rage right now. You can watch about a hundred of these movies every December and the plots are generally the same: attractive single father (or mother) with steady, stable (boring) boyfriend (girlfriend) and cute kid(s) meets seemingly inappropriate man(woman) who works their way into their heart as well as instills the "true" meaning of Christmas. There are a few variations (sometimes Santa gets involved, sometimes there is some kind of magical element). The variation I like the least involves the children doing the matchmaking (Ugh! What child of any age has ANY interest in his or her parent's love life?) What does "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" offer? Nothing new EXCEPT sharp writing, actual comedy, and Henry Winkler. Yes! Winkler really makes this movie with his funny, warm portrayal of our heroine's interfering uncle Ralph from Brooklyn. This is the first comedy I've seen him in in a long time, and he really does shine in these kinds of pictures.However, Brooke Burns and Warren Christie are also very fun to watch as the mismatched couple. I liked that they didn't make Burns a Scrooge who hates Christmas. She is simply a busy woman who loves her son and wants Christmas to be special. And in her desire to do so, has lost sight of what Christmas should be. And kudos to Connor Christopher Levins who gives a boy with some mature habits (his penchant for organization) some very real childlike desires (his wish to believe in Santa even when logic dictates he shouldn't).The plot moves along very briskly and the movie seems to end all too soon. Would that we could all be neighbors to such warm, funny and attractive people! There's even a good message about how we need to stopping stressing about Christmas.My favorites quote (from Uncle Ralph): "When it comes to life, she's dumber than a bag of barber hair!"

This movie is for you if you like pure romantic fluff in a Christmas setting. I personally love these type of movies so I loved this one. It's complete escapism for me but I'm also a romantic at heart. This one will definitely go in to my annual rotation and, if it does come out on video, I'll be purchasing it.With these type of movies, the romantic leads don't always have chemistry but Brooke Burns and Warren Christie have boatloads of it. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Warren is one of the best looking men I've seen in a while :) The story is cute and uncomplicated - The Uncle of an impossibly beautiful single mom (Jen) shares a flight with an impossibly beautiful guy (Morgan) in his 30's who can't seem to settle down in one place (read: very full Passport). Several snow storms and canceled flights later, the Uncle convinces his niece to allow the "stranger" to stay with them "for just one night" until the airport re-opens. One night turns in to 2, etc, due to some finagling by the uncle who is convinced that Morgan is good for his niece. He is considerate, kind, helpful with household chores, and is wonderful with her son. He really helps Jen to find the "Christmas Spirit" so to speak. Not helping matters is that Jen has a boyfriend who is a self-centered jerk complete with $800 shoes and completely stuck-up parents. He is awful with her son and is responsible for the plot point that eventually drives Morgan and Jen together.Yes, it's predictable. Yes, it's "fluffy". But, in all reality, that's what makes it an enjoyable movie for me. I love romance movies anyway and I really love those that are set during Christmas. If you feel the same way, and aren't looking for anything more out of it, you will love this movie.