Holiday Traditions Reimagined Under the Italian Sun

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
A Sudden Case of Christmas
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Genre: Comedy, Family
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Peter Chelsom
Writer(s): Peter Chelsom, Tinker Lindsay
Cast: Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Lucy DeVito, Antonella Rose, Wilmer Valderrama, José Zúñiga
Where To Watch: on DVD November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.shoutfactory.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In a twist to holiday cinema, the charm of Christmas is transported from its snowy expectations to the sunlit peaks of Italy's Dolomite Mountains. This film blends humor with emotion as it tells the story of a young girl, Claire, portrayed by Antonella Rose, who, upon discovering her parents' imminent separation, orchestrates a Christmas celebration in the heat of August—under the direction of Peter Chelsom, and with Danny DeVito and Andie MacDowell delivering performances that balance the light-hearted.

As the story unfolds, Claire's attempt to engineer a Christmas miracle during a summer in Italy forms the core of this unique holiday film. The idyllic setting of her grandfather Lawrence’s (DeVito) majestic hotel becomes more than just a backdrop for the story; it's a gathering place where bonds are tested and tightened. The delightful paradox of festive lights strung among summer blooms and Christmas carols echoing through the warm air adds a whimsical flavor to the film, making it a captivating and heartwarming viewing experience.

Director Chelsom balances the film’s pacing, navigating its potential melodrama. His utilization of the breathtaking Dolomite scenery ensures that each frame serves as a vivid picture, celebrating the escapism only cinema can offer. This is particularly effective in subverting the usual wintry Christmas aesthetic, presenting a scenario where family conflicts and resolutions unfold under the bright Italian sun instead.

The production, a collaboration between Notorious Pictures and Riverstone Pictures, is distributed by Shout! Studios to reach a large audience across North America. The film's story pushes the envelope on traditional holiday themes, promoting the notion that dates on a calendar do not limit the spirit of Christmas as it is a timeless experience of community and affection.

Claire’s interactions with her ensemble cast, especially the seasoned portrayals by DeVito and MacDowell, lend a multi-dimensional heart to the film. Their performances anchor the film’s emotional core, providing a robust platform for Rose’s performance. Claire is both innocent and astutely aware of her world, a combination that adds a wholesome aspect to the film’s exploration of adult themes through the eyes of a child. Her portrayal combines youthful hope with a maturity well beyond her character's age, bringing authenticity and empathy to the role. This nuanced performance highlights the film’s central message: the enduring power of family and tradition.

Although the film traverses some well-trodden paths of holiday movie tropes, it does so through a unique experience. The result is a heartfelt reminder that the core of the holiday season—joy, love, and familial bonds—can be celebrated anytime and anywhere.

Ultimately, this film is a poignant reminder that the holidays' essence transcends the season's conventional expectations. It invites viewers to rediscover the holiday spirit within themselves, regardless of the setting. Its narrative promises laughter and perhaps a few tears, making it a perfect holiday watch that’s not just for December.

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[photo courtesy of SHOUT! STUDIOS]

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