Christmas with the Coopers – Film Review by Frances Winston
Directed by: Jessie Nelson
Starring: John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei, June Squibb, Anthony Mackie, Alex Borstein

In cinemas December 1st

The first of the festive film offerings has at least done the decent thing and released in December rather than trying to milk the holiday season with a mid-November release as has happened in the past. This boasts a hugely impressive cast that would ordinarily have people flocking to the cinema. However Christmas movies are much like cranberry sauce – you either love or hate them and which side of the fence you sit on will very much dictate how you feel about this.

The title pretty much says it all as four generations of the Coopers get together for the holidays each battling their own personal crisis. Goodman and Keaton play the patriarch and matriarch whose marriage is on the verge of collapse as soon as they get through one more holiday season. Every family stereotype is here from the wise old grandfather to the kooky aunt to the directionless grown son. All of the cast give sterling performances in what is pretty standard fare but the problem is that it is standard fare.

Holiday movies are ten a penny and usually they feel like they are just cashing in on people’s love of the season and this is no exception. That said it is at times incredibly sweet and has some beautiful moments – just enough to give you the warm and fuzzies on a first watch. However it seems to be trying to be Love Actually at times and while this does have its merits it is far too standard to reach the revered status of that much loved modern classic.

This doesn’t offend and indeed it will probably make you thankful that your family seem so normal next to the car crash that is the Coopers. If you are trying to get in the festive spirit then this movie will definitely do that. If you are having a bah humbug moment though it won’t change your mind and it is unlikely to be reeled out year after year as a festive tradition. Somewhat schmaltzy but with heart, this is like an appetiser for the other festive film offerings on the horizon.