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Dan Aykroyd and Tim Allen, admiring the view

Slapstick aside, hints of satire flow beneath the surface, as the neighbors' nearly fascist approach to celebrating the holidays offers some cautionary and hilarious moments. In once scene, Nora and Luther hide behind the couch as their home is surrounded by neighborhood kids shouting, "Free Frosty! Free Frosty!" But much like the book from which it is adapted, the humor in this film is used to point toward a more important issue, and it never gets angry, preachy or sappy. There are moments that border on the absurd, but the plot moves forward with purpose and resolves gracefully. And above all, it's funny and suitable for the whole family.

I went into the film identifying with Luther's plot to skip Christmas. But by the time the final credits rolled, I remembered just why the season of Christ's birth is so special. It's not just about traditions and food and opening gifts. It's about love, and community and giving of ourselves. Christmas with the Kranks may be filled with silly slapstick and outrageous moments, but it's also delightful and heartwarming, and celebrates what's really important about Christmas.

Talk About It

1. Have you ever felt like skipping Christmas? Why?
   
   
2. Why do so many people get stressed, even depressed, over the holidays? What can we do to help?
   
   
3. How has Christmas become too chaotic in your house? What can we do to make it more meaningful?
   
   
4. What traditions are most important to you around the holidays? Which traditions need to be replaced with new ones?
   
   

The Family Corner

Christmas with the Kranks is rated PG for brief language and suggestive content. The film does not pursue the religious aspect of Christmas, but is very wholesome overall.

Photos © Copyright Revolution Studios

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