Surviving Christmas

REVIEW:

When I asked for recommendations for my next Christmas movie review, I was intrigued to hear about Surviving Christmas. Not only had I never seen it, but I hadn’t even heard of it. Figuring it might be an underrated holiday gem, I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, it’s safe to say this won’t be making it onto my yearly Christmas movie list. It’s not outright unwatchable, but it misses the mark in so many ways that I can’t see myself revisiting it anytime soon.

From the very start, it’s clear this movie is embracing a cheesy and overly corny tone. While some holiday films can pull off such an approach with charm, this one feels forced. Ben Affleck’s performance as Drew Latham is one of the biggest stumbling blocks. His portrayal of a wealthy man desperate for a family Christmas veers into overacting, and his childlike antics are more painfully awkward than endearing. It’s an uncomfortable watch at times, with Affleck’s character coming off as grating rather than sympathetic.

The real issue, though, lies with the screenplay. The story feels disjointed and poorly constructed, almost as if it was cobbled together by someone with no real experience in screenwriting. The narrative meanders through nonsensical plot points, and I found myself struggling to care about either the characters or the unfolding events. James Gandolfini, in his first role I’ve seen outside The Sopranos, is sadly underutilised. It’s disheartening to see such a talented actor caught in a project that doesn’t capitalise on his abilities.

The supposed romance between Drew and Alicia (Christina Applegate) is another weak spot. It lacks chemistry and credibility, making it hard to invest in their dynamic. Drew’s backstory doesn’t help matters. The film attempts to portray him as a self-made millionaire, but there’s little evidence to support this apart from his penthouse and “successful businessman” label. Adding to the confusion, he mentions growing up poor, yet the house he revisits—a central plot device—looks far from modest. As someone unfamiliar with the intricacies of the American housing market, even I found this aspect hard to swallow.

That said, Surviving Christmas isn’t entirely devoid of merit. The opening sequence, set to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” cleverly contrasts the idyllic vision of Christmas with its chaotic and lonely realities. It’s a funny and relatable moment that sets the stage well, even if the film fails to deliver on that initial promise. There are a handful of other amusing moments scattered throughout, but they’re too few and far between to salvage the overall experience.

I realise it might seem harsh to criticise a 90-minute holiday movie so thoroughly. After all, these films aren’t usually aiming for awards-season glory. However, even with adjusted expectations, this one felt flat and uninspired. It’s a shame, considering the talent involved and the potential for a heartwarming holiday story. Ultimately, it’s just another mediocre Christmas movie that lacks the charm or wit to stand out.

On a lighter note, it’s fascinating to learn that Jon Favreau turned down the chance to direct this movie in favour of Elf. Given how beloved Elf has become, it’s clear he made the right choice. In the end, Surviving Christmas may have been an interesting experiment for its cast, but it’s not a festive experience I’ll be rushing to recommend or revisit.