(Credit IMDb) Laughter, love and just a hint of magic make for 'The Perfect Holiday', a fun-filled comedy starring Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Charlie Murphy, Katt Williams, Faizon Love, Terrence Howard and Queen Latifah. All Nancy Taylor (Union) wants for Christmas is to meet a nice man. So when her little girl shares her smitten wish with a Mall Santa, Benjamin Armstrong(Chestnut), he does his best o make her dreams come true in this delightful family treat for the whole family to enjoy
I've become pickier with my movie choices over the years, but I still hate being a picky critic. I've vowed to give any movie a chance to provide enjoyment for me, but Perfect Holiday just didn't cut it. The thought is certainly nice, and it's admirable, but it tried to stick it down my throat once too often, with too many unbelievable situations. The kids are annoying, especially the big brother, and I had a lot of trouble identifying myself with the characters. The ending is a bit too good to be true, but if you're a believer in this stuff, you may get a kick out of it.
Performances. Morris Chestnut is OK, probably the best character here. He was somewhat likable, and seemed like an ordinary fellow. The Problem is he isn't given much depth to speak of. Gabrielle Union is certainly great to look at, and does fine with what she is given. It's just I found her character to be much too wishy-washy. Faizon Love is the comic relief, nothing more. He did OK at that. Charles Q. Murphy is annoying as Jizzy, and over did it completely. Katt Williams plays it oddly straight most of the time. While Terrance Howard and Queen Latifah have some cameo spots.
Bottom line. If you want to sit down and watch an enjoyable Christmas themed movie, look elsewhere. I personally feel it will bore your kids and yourself in the process.
3 ½ /10
I've become pickier with my movie choices over the years, but I still hate being a picky critic. I've vowed to give any movie a chance to provide enjoyment for me, but Perfect Holiday just didn't cut it. The thought is certainly nice, and it's admirable, but it tried to stick it down my throat once too often, with too many unbelievable situations. The kids are annoying, especially the big brother, and I had a lot of trouble identifying myself with the characters. The ending is a bit too good to be true, but if you're a believer in this stuff, you may get a kick out of it.
Performances. Morris Chestnut is OK, probably the best character here. He was somewhat likable, and seemed like an ordinary fellow. The Problem is he isn't given much depth to speak of. Gabrielle Union is certainly great to look at, and does fine with what she is given. It's just I found her character to be much too wishy-washy. Faizon Love is the comic relief, nothing more. He did OK at that. Charles Q. Murphy is annoying as Jizzy, and over did it completely. Katt Williams plays it oddly straight most of the time. While Terrance Howard and Queen Latifah have some cameo spots.
Bottom line. If you want to sit down and watch an enjoyable Christmas themed movie, look elsewhere. I personally feel it will bore your kids and yourself in the process.
3 ½ /10