Tag: Family

A DOG’S WAY HOME (2019)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Charles Martin Smith 

Written By: W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon

Based On the novel by: W. Bruce Cameron 

Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr. 

Editor: David S. Clark, Debra Neil-Fisher and Sabrina Pilsco

Cast: Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Alexandra Shipp, Edward James Olmos, Barry Watson, Wes Studi, Chris Bauer, John Cassini, Brian Markinson, Patrick Gallagher 

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog meets a series of new friends and manages to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to their lives.

————————————————————————

These are the perfect family films as they are filled with innocence cute show, survival and loving, as well as offer adventure.

They are also manipulative as hell because they want you to get emotionally invested in the film. This is in a film you watch for the filmmaking necessarily or even the story but you will find yourself emotionally involved no matter how long you watch the film.

Especially as they usually focus on the dogs as they know that it is a weakness for the majority of the population to fall in love with these films, or find them more personal or personable.

No, like most of these films this one is based on a novel it still is more about a dog. The people who is a fax and who effect it has every scene seems to be introduced to new characters and get their story and leaves at the right moment, to affect their lives, and more positive ways.

Will admit that these films are guilty pleasures, even for me, and I’m not a dog owner, but I continuously watch the sermons once in a while and find myself charmed, even though I know the tricks, and I know better. They are even diverse and to reach each possible member Of a demographic of the audience.

Which then makes her feel all the more designed rather than natural

at least this one is directed by Character actor, and veteran Director, Charles Martin Smith, which might be why I give this one just a little bit more credit than it deserves.

Grade: C+

THE ESCAPE ARTIST (1982)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Caleb Deschanel

Written By: Melissa Mathison and Stephen Zito

Based on the novel by: David Wagoner

Cinematography: Stephen H. Burum

Editor: Arthur Schmidt 

Cast: Griffen O’Neal, Raul Julia, Desi Arnez, Joan Hackett, Jackie Coogan, Hal Williams, M. Emmett Walsh, Harry Anderson, Elizabeth Daily, Teri

Garr

The young and self-confident Danny bluffs at the local police-station that he will escape out of prison within one hour. What follows is a flashback about his childhood with his uncle and aunt, which are ‘vaudeville’-artists themselves. We also follow the problems of Danny with the corrupt son of the mayor.

There’s a film I knew about thanks to all the video guides which I wish they still had just to get recommendations from as now with message boards and social media and feels like always getting recommendations of the same films that are more modern. He’s older films are hard to find.

This film is disappointing for what could’ve been rather than what it was. As watching it, Juan was hoping that it would get better as it went along. It never quite does.

As it feels too playful with nothing really going on and it feels too slow for kids and too silly for adults.

The film plays like an early Amblin movie and adventurous film with a kid as the star who goes on a journey or adventure. We see it more from their point of view and the Child characters can actually be in True Danger only hear there’s not much fantasy happening, and Amblin films are usually made more for a preteen audience. It does make one long for when they made these types of movies for an audience looks like took more seriously.

This film unfortunately has no feeling of fun things play, but they also just seen that happen with little to no fan fare. Though it is very detailed.

Maybe because it was made under AMERICAN ZOETROPE studios, where the films made, and that matured there were more willing to be experimental

Griffin O’Neal who plays lead, never makes an impact as he Has no charisma in the role and he never seems quite lively or fun. Which makes it easier for him to blend in as a supporting characters are more lively and interesting.

So it seems like maybe concessions were made off of his name and his famous father and sister.

The film keeps in innocence about it as it never goes over the line nor does it ever dirty. It’s south, or the audience with anything exploitive, or too risqué.

This was The last film of Desi Arnaz Sr. one wonders why he even took a role in this as the role he has is Pedro but it’s not that show stopping and there’s not Too much to it.

Raul Julia in his role seems a little too often wacky almost like a cartoon character for how moody he can be one minute and silly the next.

Well, it has a sense of wonder what film quite often is dull. It should be better considering the talent behind it.

It does Seem like a film, where seeing it on the big screen would maybe increase the audience enjoyment. No, the script still would need to be stronger and a bit busier.

Which would give the audience a reason to not only watch the care.

This is one of the few films that was directed by legendary cinematographer, Caleb Deschanel. 

One rarely says this, but this feels like a film that should be remade only with more fun lore and adventure.

Grade: C

THE WILD ROBOT (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Chris Sanders

Based on the book by: Peter Brown

Cinematography: Chris Stover 

Editor: Mary Blee

Featuring the voices of: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Stephanie Hsu, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Catherine O’Hara 

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

This film shows what can be done by a true independent individual spirit and not doing what you have been trained or necessarily program to do, but interestingly also teaches you that by doing that you might learn not only to be your own person, but humanity and itself as well as to help those around community or culture you might find yourself and that is different from yourself how to assimilate into that culture and find your own friends and family but also if you have to, you can simulate into what you’re supposed to be but still at heartbeat who you need to be and who you are

I can truly say I wasn’t expecting much from this film and figured it would be. You know a typical moralistic tail and it seems like it’s going to be that way, but then it takes so many broad strokes or subverts what you’re used to and a different way that you can’t help but get emotional watching it and especially around the third act, or truly showcases the bond between parent and child and appreciation and the length of love between them where your downright willing to sacrifice yourself for them and vice versa how they sometimes have to take care of you when you’ve given it all you got

That is when the film is at its strongest and most powerful. It’s cute and previous scenes, and can be funny and ferocious. It’s perfect for kids and families like because I believe whoever sees this film will get something out of that,  that is strong and meaningful to them. 

I don’t watch those animated films sometimes, other than the artwork. It feels like more of the same, but I can truly say that this one affected me more than I expected to and it’s truly something special. I can see why it has so many fans, such that seem to come from nowhere.

Grade: A- 

THE ELECTRIC STATE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus And Stephen McFeely

Based on the Graphic Novel By: Simon Stalenhag

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon 

Editor: Jeffrey Ford 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo, Jason Alexander, Ke Huy Quan, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Billy Gardell

the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

Why does a film about freedom and living life to the fullest and the power of human connection. Feel so stale, lifeless abd boring. Though has very impressive special effects. We can see where the money went into this $320 million Prodcution, but was it worth it? 

Do the Russo brothers just look at budgets rather then scripts. Then look for the gimmick. As they seek like filmmakers from the 90’s given chances for modern times. Pure Hollywood  filmmakers even with their independent films. 

They seem to be Artists for the businessmen running studios. Only their interests are different than what audiences want except for THE AVENGERS movies. 

The electric state feels like their attempt at a big budget amblin film that even spielberg would say is too artificial and JJ Abrams would reject. As there is not enough mysterious elements 

Chris Pratt is pretty much lead by the paychecks he gives his performances but in films, No one really wants to see or more of the same. The spark is there but the material isn’t and he’s not convincing enough for people to watch just for him

Just as Chris Evans seems to be a prostitute for Netflix ok an escort. As he seems to Find his fit in the film world . Though seems to be a down to earth human being.

Millie Bobby Brown seems desperate to find a better role and Wanda will not have her type cast and allow her to break out of her biggest role so far which is playing 11 on Stranger Things. Unfortunately this was not the right one. As it gives her little to truly sink her teeth into even as the lead 

This film tries to come up with emotions with a tale that feels familiar and tired. Though it comes across hollow. Only here to sbowniff the effects. As this film seems to beleivenrhe old mantra “IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” unfortunately not enough came.

This is perfectly set I a lenas a family film, but for something that is such a big production. It shouldn’t feel this disposable and shallow. Nor as always does it really need to be as long as it is. 

One can be all for exploring a world but it diesn’t have to go this deep where we are jistbtrying to show off instead of moving the story forward. 

The film has no sense of pacing and in general just feels bloated and lazy as it doesn’t really make itself quite clear and wants to be 1 million different things but never decides on any as well as there being no dramatic pacing 

it seems to just copy the graphic novel, and whatever it lacks, the filmmakers can blame it on the source material.

The Film seems to only offer an alternative history because in that way he can bring back 90s nostalgia for a certain audience that seems to be in currently

In other words this feels like the typical Netflix original movie with star power and figuring that will be enough and come  together with a simple high concept idea. It’s like the blockbuster filmmaking of the 1990’s. Taking a big and expensive gamble. Right out of the gate rather then building up to it or up on it.

Grade: D

DEAR SANTA (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Bobby Farrelly

Written By: Ricky Blitt and Peter Farrelly 

Story By: Ricky Blitt, Peter Farrelly and Dan Ewen

Cinematography: C. Kim Miles

Editor: Julie Garces

Cast: Jack Black, Robert Timothy Smith, Post Malone, Brianne Howey, Keegan Michael Key, Jaden Carson Baker, Hayes MacArthur, P.J. Byrne, Kyle Gass 

When a young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error, a devilish Jack Black arrives to wreak havoc on the holidays.

This seems like a film that was made to go to theaters as a high-concept comedy and ended up on streaming. Which one is thankful for because if this hadn’t made it to theaters, only you could see why people would be displeased with it.

It seems like more films that should be released in the theaters are being released in streaming, and many movies that are streaming only could have been released in the theaters and actually made a profit and had better notoriety. 

Then again, it seems like there are more expensive high-concept films being made in general that actually don’t look interesting because they seem more reliant on special effects and fantasy storytelling rather than the talents of their recognizable stars.

At this point, it seems like Jack Black has decided to mostly star in children’s films or films aimed at families and young teens that are a little risky but pretty much clean and well-centered going for the too-crass or too-gross humor.

Now this film is perfectly fine for families to watch as a holiday film, except that it just feels so planned and over the top corny to a certain degree no matter how hard Jack tries or even the rest of the cast it just feels so lightweight by the numbers.

I will credit the filmmakers as this could’ve easily been a more mean, spirited, and gross film. It ends up being a little more moralistic and a bit emotional definitely more than anything else. . 

Though I will admit, there was only one scene that was truly funny and almost hilarious that should help up the audience as the rest of the film is pretty basic and lacks any laugh-out-loud moments.

Then again keep in mind I’m not the ideal audience member for this film. It’s not necessarily my cup of tea and this film is made or directed by Bobby Farrelly of THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and SHALLOW HAL Fame so this is a comedy with him showing restraint it should be noted.

It’s a film yeah if you just are in the mood for a kind of empty holiday film that tries to have the heart go for it, but unfortunately, it’s not anything special as you might’ve hoped.

Considering the cast and filmmakers. This should have been better or at least a lot more enjoyable. 

Grade: D

MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Peter Segal

Written By: Pete Segal, Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber 

Based on Characters Created By: Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber 

Cinematography: Larry Blanford

Editor: Jason Gourson 

Cast: Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Ken Jeong, Kristen Schaal, Anna Faris, Craig Robinson, Foula Borg, Taeho K., Billy Barratt, Tanner Burjaq 

JJ, a veteran CIA agent, reunites with his protégé Sophie, in order to prevent a catastrophic nuclear scheme threatening Vatican City, which disrupts a high school choir trip to Italy.

While the first film was surprisingly endearing and entertaining, this sequel isn’t horrible, but while it hits half of the same spots as the first film, this time, it feels a little more forced and unfocused as the first film felt specific this film felt general 

Now anyone who was looking forward to this sequel I’m sure won’t be greatly disappointed, though the problem here is that as with all sequels, it must be bigger while the first film was singular. This one is more international and foreign locals. It has its moments but seems to be missing that, and the sweetness that made the first film work

It also doesn’t help that this film has a much bigger cast a lot of bigger more recognizable names and small roles that you would expect more 

The film is predictable and it tries and all the characters do have their chemistry, but for some reason, it just isn’t as charming as the first though it is entertain 

The film feels like a successor of the Frankie Muniz starring film AGENT CODY BANKS this is a continuation and the kid’s spy genre, not the SPY KIDS franchise.  only here more of a buddy comedy like AGENT CODY BANKS, less a James Bond-type story, and adventure as this one is more all about teamwork.

Dave Bautista actually looks a little smaller this time around, but he is still an imposing force who gets stuck in more comedic situations, but he used well in the action sequences. 

Chloe Coleman is hilarious a girl with a crush, but who still also has her eyes on the prize as far as missions go and hold her own and all of her scenes of action and comedy and even a little romance. 

There is plenty of action in comedy and some jokes and languages that I am a little surprised they got away with a PG-13 movie but then again it’s all done and innocence and fun and not trying to be dirty or nasty. Even if it feels a little more risqué, the previous film was more of a children’s film. This is a little bit more of a preteen movie, but it’s still at heart a family film that you can watch together.

Grade: C

WONKA (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed & Story By: Paul King

Written By: Paul King & Simon Farnaby

Based on Characters Created By: Roald Dahl

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Mark Everson

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael-Key, Sally Hawkins, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Natasha Rockwell, Kobna Holbrook-Smith, Rakhee Thatkar, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Freya Parker, Matthew Boynton, Rich Fulcher

Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.

One thing I can definitely say about this movie is that it has its charms it won’t. It doesn’t erase the memory of the first WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY but it still feels more pure and miles above Tim Burton, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY  doesn’t feel as predictable. Nor as made by the committee.

The film is a musical, which was a bit unexpected, but makes sense, and it does use a few of the original films’ classics throughout, though in quite a different way that does instill nostalgia, but also tries to make it its own. 

At times, it does feel like a big Broadway musical, but under a greater production and a grander vision, you could easily see this making its way the reverse way and going from a movie into a Broadway show.

The film perfectly fits Director Paul King’s style as it feels like a fantasy and a living storybook come to life. It’s as big and silly as the two PADDINGTON films that he has directed so this one is a little less comedic, even with all of its outrageousness. Though no nightmare scenes as the previous two films had.

Can’t help, but put a smile on your face in Timothee Chalamet actually works in the lead role, even though he is tasked with pretty much always being happy no matter what throughout even when disappointed. he’s not as iconic as Gene Wilder Daffy goofy, but ultimately wise and quirky Wonka but again we’re at the origins of Wonka as a character so he has a happier disposition, and is still full of hope at the beginning of his career.

This is a film that is fun for the whole family. It’s pretty much an offensive and feels magical throughout. It literally is another generation’s version of Wonka, or as this is more of an original story than an actual remake or reboot, which is refreshing, even if it is still Dealing with an existing IP.

Hugh Grant is here as comedic relief as an Oompa Loompa, and he mostly works as this is the most we’ve ever really heard an Oompa Loompa speak other than singing. The film is full of quirky characters that feel straight out of a children’s book, and have outrageous looks to follow. though again, he seems to be relishing and playing a more comedic supporting role just as he did, and PADDINGTON 2 only here he is, isn’t the villain

The production design and visual effects are excellent. The songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the originals again, I say this now, but at heart eventually, time will tell, and also the fandom of this film, if there will be one as great as the classic film in which men grew up with.

It’s a film that is definitely worth checking out. It won’t leave you mesmerized, but if this is your type of movie, you won’t leave sad or disappointed. 

Grade: B 

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears 

Written By: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit 

Based on TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES characters, Created By: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Head Of Cinematography: Kent Saki

Editor: Greg Levitan

Voice cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ice Cube, Jackie Chan, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Rudd, Post Malone, Hannibal Buress 

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtles set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. But they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Over the years, there have been many reboots of this franchise as well as ongoing, animated television shows. There were even two live-action films after the initial live-action trilogy of films.

I have to say that this animated film is the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise since the original animated series and also the first two live-action films which are near deer to my heart. I saw them in theaters and the first one I kept trying to see in theaters and I think, I tried five times to see it in theaters and it was always sold out. This was before you could buy your tickets online so when I finally did get to see it, it was so magical and felt so worth it.

This film emphasizes the teenage part of the title as the characters do have fighting skills, but they are also still teenagers at heart growing up and wanting to belong but also wanting to have fun and not necessarily so mission-focused.

With it being more about teenagers, it prepares you to have patience with that aspect as an adult, though it’s a perfect family film that feels a bit more funky and fun than any of the films have before. It’s a film for a younger audience though older fans can’t enjoy it.

Here’s a little bit reimagined with a more urban feel in a different villain than the nemesis usually the villain Shredder.

The film is a lot more fun and emphasizes a bit more humor than action.

The star voices don’t add too much more of a hay isn’t that such and such factor that would work with or without them, though it is nice to see here, the familiar voice does at times the danger of taking you out of the film, especially when it comes to certain beloved characters.

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, take over the franchise or the ideas for the story here and rework it, just as they have others that they either produce or create shows like THE BOYS and PREACHER amongst others. At least it seems like the stuff that they are behind that RIP that they were fans of from the beginning so while they are making it a little more hip, they know what the fans like. Enjoy and want.

The film is an original story at heart. It’s closer to the more blockbuster material of the animated cartoon than the previous live-action movies that starred Megan Fox. 

It’s a reboot for a franchise that continues to reinvent itself while sticking to the same premise, yet never venturing into the dark original world of the cult comic book from which it came.

Grade: B+ 

MELODY (1971)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Waris Hussein

Written By: Alan Parker

Cinematography: Peter Suschitzky

Editor: John Victor Smith

Cast: Mark Lester, Jack Wild, Tracy Hyde, Roy Kinnear, James Cossins, June Ellis, Tim Wylton, Colin Barrie, Billy Franks, Ashley Knight

Two youngsters declare to their parents that they want to get married. Not sometime in the future but as soon as possible. The story is told from the children’s point of view.

This is a film that was hard to find and wanted to see it since hearing about it. when it was suggested as a companion to films like A LITTLE ROMANCE and BUGSY MALONE, especially the latter, as these films share the Director, the great Alan Parker, who directed BUGSY MALONE, but wrote, and came up with the story for this film. He wasn’t allowed to direct this film though he wanted to but did shoot a bit of a second unit on the film. 

The film offers a narrative that allows kids to be more rebellious, troublesome, rough, but still likable where kids could actually run the risk of hurting themselves or getting hurt, but you never really worried about it because you knew they would bounce back.

Order finally titled S.W.A.L.K. (Sealed With A Loving Kiss) it takes to look at childhood and shows you all the heartbreak and pain but more of the joys and treats each misstep as it feels crushing, but also how quickly things can turn around and bounce back

It’s a coming-of-age tale that while whimsical also feels very true and charming to the cast and the period and kids at that age. as the film isn’t whitewashed or manufactured, nor do the characters feel overprotected, though they obviously are safe.

The film is mostly innocent. It’s also rambunctious with an abundance, score, and soundtrack, full of songs, not a musical as at heart it is about love at first sight. And first love.

It maintains an innocence, as well as exploring, budding, friendship, and bonding, and how jealousy can come into play when it feels like you’re losing that friend’s degree to their new bond girl in his life that leaves the friend lonely in an orphan, feeling forgotten.

It also shows them both being made fun of for their love and wanting to be happy with one another in which the adult seem to think it’s cute, but also rally against it and don’t believe in their feelings and emotions.

it also allows the kids to be kids, but have recognizable human emotions and treats them even more seriously than it does the adult characters so the film respects them maybe because they can be more honest at their age and still have that wondrous vision of the world and everything before becoming more knowledgeable as an adult and not being as openhearted.

The film feels kind of like an early prototype less star-studied version of MOONRISE KINGDOM

 as you can tell Director, Wes Anderson has definitely been inspired by this film. The film might also remind some viewers of the Francois Truffaut film, SMALL CHANGE, where a narrative and story are secondary to feelings and the young characters. And the reality that is all around them.

The film is about moments, with no real plot or story, though it does offer a certain explosion of maturity and a strike against the adults that almost feels like a game.

The film offers a sweet and mischievous ending.

While I didn’t love it as much as I expected it to I think it is still charming and will enjoy it as a kind of artistic family film.

Grace: B

CANDY CANE LANE (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By; Reginald Hudlin

Written By: Kelly Younger 

Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel

Editor: Kenny G. Krauss and Jim May

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jillian Bell, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Genneya Walton, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Trevante Rhodes, David Alan Grier, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Danielle Pinnock, D.C. Young Fly, Catherine Dent, Stephen Tobolowsky, Penatonix, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyer

A man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.

The film has a lot of goodwill, but it also has a bunch of familiar tropes. They are dressed up and try to feel fresh and for the most part, fit the season and set-up. 

The film tries to stay inventive but then falters under the weight of its own predictability and plays it way too safe and familiar.

The film isn’t necessarily good but it’s entertaining and keeps you invested. Even though star Eddie Murphy goes through the motions. He even has his moments to flex an original comedic lie here and there. Unfortunately for the most part it also feels like he is playing a role any actor or star could have played easily. That is how bland it is written. Though as always it is always in his strengths when his character is under pressure and his reactions can be priceless, Just not here

It does bring the audience back to when he was making more family films for better or worse. Though when they were just passing.

What works within this film is the spirit and the fact that his family in the film all get a chance to shine and be the hero throughout and come together when needed. Reminding the audience of the importance and need of family and enforcing the holiday spirit.

Though those looking for laughs might be hard-pressed to find any genuine comedy throughout.

Directed by Reginald Hudlin, it leaves you expecting more. Even though it does have a great production design. The less said of Santa Claus. Huggy bear ,velvet suit the better.

In the end, it’s a film that fits the holidays but isn’t the triumph you are hoping for when it comes to an Eddie Murphy film. 

Grade: C