Full disclosure: In most circumstances if you catch me describing something as "cute," it's my Midwestern passive-aggressive way of saying "pass."
My mother was the queen of passive-aggressive compliments that weren't compliments. So I learned from the best.
But in this instance, I really can't think of a better description of Eddie Murphy's new family-friendly holiday movie "Candy Cane Lane" that was released on Amazon Prime on Dec. 1. ... It's cute, and worth the family sitting around with a bowl of popcorn for a good night.
Now, if that last paragraph already made you cringe, then I'd say it's a safe bet to steer clear of "Candy Cane Lane." If cuteness and family friendly don't turn up your nose, then I'd say stick around until the end of the review. It's fully apparent that many of the professional movie reviewers felt the same way.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of tropes you have to stomach to enjoy the film: For instance, you know from the start that this hard-charging, overachieving family is about to learn a lesson about sticking together and the importance of family over accomplishments and material things. The dad needs to learn a lesson about competitiveness, and just when the family believes they've overcome the obstacles in the movie, the plot rug is pulled out from under them.
But even this can-be holiday movie cynic feels the payoff is worth it.
The plot revolves around suburban dad "Christ Carver" -- played by Murphy -- who has always hand-carved and -crafted his holiday decorations to compete in the neighborhood decoration competition. But he's beat out every year by the neighbors across the street who buy store bought, jazzy blow-up decorations. Jealously ensues, as you would expect.
Multiplying the burn this year is the fact that Carver was laid off from work just before Christmas, and the family seems to be facing a financial pinch. But miraculously a media company has taken interest in the Candy Cane Lane holiday decoration competition and is offering a $100,000 prize to the winner. And Carver's competitiveness receives a fuel injection.
Carver enlists the help of his youngest child -- Holly Carver played by Madison Thomas -- who isn't a teenager and seems to be the one family member of four who doesn't see her dad's antics as folly.
While searching out new supplies to up their holiday decorating game, the Carver duo comes across a mysterious Christmas shop that we later learn is run by "Pepper," an evil Christmas elf played by Jillian Bell, who tricks Chris Carver into a deal too good to be true. And, of course, it is.
The remainder of the movie is the familiar dance between protagonists (the entire Carver family) and the antagonists (Pepper and her henchpersons). ... I won't spoil the movie from there.
A couple of highlights I would point out: First, the computer-generated imagery is top notch. The movie plot depends upon some fantastical characters, and the work here in this movie is first rate. In fact, it greatly enhances the movie. And second, the movie contains good messaging for kids, especially a valuable faith message in that we let our consumerism run way too rampant during the holidays. Finally, there is enough sophisticated humor -- including a couple of fun pop culture references -- that will keep many adults entertained.
Drawbacks: After knowing the Eddie Murphy of my childhood movies, I'm still unconvinced of his roles in these family-friend flicks. But that could just be my hang up. Also, both Murphy's and Tracee Ellis Ross (playing "Carol Carver") seem to turn in some wooden performances as the head of the Carver family. But not enough to detract from the overall film.
Bottom line: I wouldn't have paid to see Candy Cane Lane in the theaters, but if you like good-natured, movies that are fun (and free! if you have the Prime platform), add it to your holiday movie watching list. It's worth your 120 minutes.
Comments