Is 'Best Christmas Ever' Worth a Watch?

“Christmas isn’t a day. It’s a frame of mind”.

At least this is the theme that overshadows the movie ‘Best Christmas Ever’ that has been directed by Mary Lambert.

While former college friend- Jackie Jennings cannot stop bragging about her seemingly perfect life that details her family's extraordinary achievements, in her annual newsletter that is published every Christmas.

Viewed with not only jealousy but disdain, her friend Charlotte Sanders is extremely envious of her friend. While Charlotte lives a rather modest life with her husband Rob (former ex-boyfriend of Jackie), they happen to stumble upon Jackie’s grandiose house a few days before Christmas after the wrong address was entered in their car’s navigation system

The story revolves around how the Sanders and Jennings unite after many years and spend their Christmas together. Released in November 2023; although the movie has performed well on Netflix, it has received generally negative reviews from critics.

Starring Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Matt Cedeno as Jackie’s fit husband Valentino and Jason Biggs as Charlotte’s husband; the film also stars their children – Watt Hunt as Grant Sanders, Abby Villasmil as Dora Sanders and Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix Jennings.

A light romantic comedy, a lot of the movie is predictable; portraying nothing extraordinary about the film. What is interesting is how jealousy amongst adult friendships can never seem to end as Charlotte seizes the opportunity to spend Christmas with her former friend but tries to find any evidence of how her life is not so perfect. However, after repeated attempts to expose Jackie, it nearly ruins the Christmas season for both families. The once ‘frenemies’ unite to make it the best Christmas ever.

What is an interesting catch to the film is the elaborate solar-powered hot air balloon, a tribute to Jackie's late son, Daniel. A series of many different events leads to a Christmas pageant spectacle where Santa’s sleigh is ‘accidentally’ attached to the balloon, making Abby able to believe in Santa Clause.

Charles Shyer and Todd Calgi Gallicano wrote the script for this movie.

In a joint Christmas letter between the Sanders and Jennings Charlotte boasts about her new invention while the Jennings promote their non-governmental organization (NGO) through solar-powered hot air balloon travel.

Comments

Karina Pandya in Conversation with Co-Founder of the Banyan, Dr. Vandana Gopikumar

An incident of coming across a homeless and mentally ill woman in distress on the road in front of her college in Chennai paved the route for Vandana Gopikumar to establish one of the leading NGOs in the field of mental health – The Banyan. While she was yet a Master’s student of Social Work, Vandana along with a close friend Vaishnavi Jayakumar encountered several other incidents of not being able to find the right shelter and mental institution for a woman in need of medical and psychiatric attention. The Banyan, which was established in 1993 has been a one-stop destination to not only rescue, and rehabilitate but also treat mentally ill women from low-income groups. Vandana Gopikumar has pioneered a movement, helping thousands of individuals not only reintegrate into society but also secure long-term medical treatment. Not only is she the co-founder of the NGO – The Banyan, but is also the co-founder of The Banyan Academy of Leadership (BALM). She is also a...

4 Mindfully Spent Days At Woods At Sasan for a Writing Retreat with Bhavna Kher

Writing has been my passion for over 18 years so when I heard about the Writing Retreat that screenwriter, brand consultant and former creative director of Ogilvy - Bhavna Kher was going to conduct I was immediately interested in attending the same. Not only this but I also wanted to connect with other writers and also sharpen my writing skills as well. It was a perfect opportunity to find inspiration within a focused environment. Moreover, the 4-day writing retreat, (September 14- September 18th) which was conducted at a luxury boutique resort provided the perfect break from city life, and mindfully focused on sharpening one’s writing skills. Having our independent quarters, we were surrounded by thickets of trees, within a lush mango orchard on the fringes of the Sasan Gir forest. It was the perfect place to calmly create a story without any disturbances. Moreover, in between the writing exercises, we went for a safari, and eco-trail, and were given besp...

Pema Wellness Resort In Vishakhapatnam With An Infinity Pool Overlooking The Sea Can Be Your Ultimate Luxury Escape!

Overlooking the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats on the other side, 3km from the lively and beautiful Rushikonda Beach is the tranquil Pema resort, spread over 28 acres on Healing Hill, Beach Road, Vizag. This Healing hub is 100,000 Sq. ft with 20,000 sq. ft therapy rooms a luxurious and spacious restaurant, and a 7000 Sq. ft fitness & therapeutic Yoga studio, enclosed with a blissful scenic beauty of nature. Aiming at incorporating a healthy lifestyle, Pema Wellness Resort is a one-stop solution for those who are seeking a break from the hustle-bustle of fast-paced city life. Boasting luxurious décor and high-raised ceilings, there are different rooms to choose from; executive, luxury, premium and suites. Besides this, there are 5 cottages. Every room comes with a breathtaking view. Incorporating holistic lifestyle wellness solutions through ancient practices such as Yoga, Meditation, Naturopathy, therapeutic nutrition and other healing practices there a...

Karina Pandya

Search This Blog