Deck the Halls (2006)

This movie started out with good intentions. The small town was likable. With the actors in this movie I thought it would have been much better. How sad that this movie had such a WEAK script and plot and far fetched situations like the way that DeVito 'sold' Broderick a car. There was no chemistry between the characters. Bad attempts at subplots involving his relationship with Broderick's family were left at mere attempts. I am a fan of Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation and wanted to see at least a Christmas 'decorating war' -this was not even close to the humor and great characters in 'vacation'. I will also be hesitant to see another movie with DeVito and Matthew Broderick in them.

Fmovies: We have reached that time of year again. Every year, or every couple of years, we have a fake Christmas comedy that comes out just for the sake of making money, with no heart. In 2004 we had Christmas with the Kranks which is one of the worst reviewed movies ever, but god help me but I found enjoyment in that film, believe it or not. I am known as Mr. Christmas, I love the holiday itself and I love its movies, most of them always bring me joy, my favourite one being The Polar Express. Now, I try to find joy in most holiday themed movies I watch, but when filmmakers have sunk to such low levels Deck the Halls, it's hard to melt the cold hard plastic that it is. But honestly, how could we have expected a classic from the man who brought us such great films as "Big Momma's House 2", and the unforgettable "Malibu's Most Wanted"? I sound very angry, but you know what, enough is enough. What happened to filmmakers putting heart into a Christmas movie, or any movie for that matter? What happened to being excited for such Christmas classics as Elf, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, It's A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, or The Polar Express. Movies were the story, and the message matter was heart and holiday joy. I'm sick of studios making these "Christmas" movies that are just released for the simple fact that is money, these films show what Christmas has truly become, all about the presents. This film may have had no promise and, and I may have had no expectations for it, but to sink as low as this, and to have such a fake and cold-hearted movie, is just sad and disturbing. Box-office poison, Matthew Broderick strikes again with yet another box-office poison machine, Danny DeVito. Never have I seen a movie with such a cast of actors I hate.

I mean, at least Christmas with the Kranks had Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis who are normally two very funny people, to bring some joy to it. In Deck the Halls we receive Danny DeVito, who just makes your skin crawl, and who is always stuck in movies with hot wives, what is that about? Then there's Matthew Broderick who hasn't delivered a classic or hit since who knows how long, it's been a long while since his fantastic work in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Election, two classics. Then adding to that for female contribution there's nails on chalk board voices Kristen Chenoweth and Kristen Davis, although Chenoweth at moments is funny in this rather forgettable comedy. DeVito and Broderick have as much chemistry as an apple and a plate, enough said. My main beef with the movie however, is something Kranks actually had, a message and an ending to it where all the garbage comes together and you actually, cared. Here we have just scenes put together called a movie, and ending that comes from no where but cliché-land. It doesn't even strive for something original, it's just here, put some "heart" into it. I found more heart in Scarface.

We have come to the age where the story doesn't matter to this films, you slap a Christmas theme on it, and there you have a holiday hit. I mean, at least the recently released The Santa Clause 3 had a message and heart, this has nothing. I mean, it's about a man wanting to have his house seen from space, compensating for something much? Broderick's character doesn't even have a fight, if you know what I mean. They could've competed for the brightest house, that would have been more interesting, but no, we have to see him get slammed with Camel snot,

I almost didn't take my 9 year old because of all the negative comments, but I have to say that I walked out smiling and humming a Christmas tune. I thought it was a nice movie. Is it predicable? Yes, but so was Miracle on 34th street... Can't something just be enjoyed and not torn apart just because the message is a simple one - to be nice to one another and try to help out? I liked it! It actually has a number of messages: That people who are different can still be friends (i.e. the two wives). That kids can learn from each other (i.e. the daughters) and that the husbands can learn that life isn't just about competition, but about family and friends.

Deck the Halls fmovies. This is a perfect holiday movie for the perfect season,Funny,Heartwarming and everything you need in a holiday movie

While this movie is not laugh out loud funny, I still found it cute and entertaining. I especially liked the unique and bright light display. I don't know if most of those lights were just computer generated or if they decorated a real house, but it sure looked amazing.

In the movie, Buddy hall and his family moves across the street from the Finch's. He comes up with the idea of making his house bright enough to be seen from outer space. All the lights and traffic begin to aggravate Steve Finch. He makes an attempt to sabotage Buddy's lights, but his attempt isn't very successful. He competes with Buddy in the town speed skating contest. Steve's wife gets along with Buddy's and she and kids begin doing things different. Steve wants everything done the same as in the same "family traditions." Buddy and Steve learn a lesson in the end and what it means to be good neighbors.

FINAL VERDICT: Entertaining. 12 year olds should like this as well as adults.

This was just really painful. The storyline in itself was bad, and the acting did nothing to make it any better. The idea of a grown man wanting to restore his honor by making his house visible from space with Christmas lights is ridiculous... The actors seemed uninspired and stiff, even though I love Danny DeVito I really can't see how he said yes to this. The most catastrophic acting though, were his two twin girls. Ouch. Talk about being picked for your looks rather than your talent.

I really can't write reasonably about this movie, it was just too much of a mess for me. It had some funny parts, but they were all pretty clichéd and well-used, and I never once laughed out loud. This is just not worth your money and if you're looking for that Christmas spirit, stay as far away from this movie as possible.