Directed by
Freaks and Geeks alumnus Paul Feig, this holiday-themed comedy is peopled entirely with the kind of one-note stereotypes who pass for quirky individuals in mainstream comedies. A tween romp that gets off to a grating start, the film nevertheless settles into a blandly formulaic groove as soothingly predictable as a grade-school pageant or a cable Christmas special. The frantic, high-decibel opening introduces the main characters via their manner of interacting with mall Santas: Brainiac Charlie Goldfinch (Tyler James Williams, of TV's
Everybody Hates Chris) faints, spoiled rich-girl Grace Conrad (Gina Mantegna) flirts, hostile tomboy Donna M...
Released:
2006
Rated:
PG
Length:
90 mins