Merry Good Enough

This movie had drama, mystery and romance but none of it was developed. Like at all. Ever. The acting was good but there was just nothing there.

The mom disappeared having left in her car. It was technically a mystery, but it was actually just a fact. No drama. No suspense. Toward the end of the movie there was a brief scene, maybe 30 seconds where the viewer might think something dramatic happened, but nope. Nothing.

There was a romance of sorts. Nothing led up to it and it went nowhere. It wasn't even displayed in a provocative way. Again, it was just a fact, not a developed thing stirring emotion.

This was supposed to be a Christmas movie. We're told in a line or two of dialogue that they were meeting for Christmas, but it really had nothing to do with Christmas.

I guess the movie was well named in that everything presented was "good enough" to say it has drama, romance, mystery, etc., but nothing was developed.

The only way a viewer will be stirred by anything in this movie is if a character might say a line or be in a brief scene that reminds the viewer of something in their own life that stirs emotion. It's not the movie itself that will stir it. There is really nothing to this movie.

A wonderful little movie that can be watched all year round but will particularly hit home watching during the holiday season! It's irreverent in a refreshing way, carrying some bite, but still finds tender moments of warmth and sympathy. You can tell a lot of love was poured into the making and writing of this.

The cast is great and the cinematography really captures the mood and season. Love the natural looking production design. A script with wit and self awareness. This isn't your typical holiday movie but that's what makes it special.

Definitely worth checking out! Can't wait to see what everyone involved does next!

This is a film with great characters, that captures the complexities of family relationships - the love that ultimately overrides the messiness, and differences.

It is not a cookie cutter Christmas film so I appreciate some may not want this from a cosy feel good sugar coated holiday watch.. However, for me it had an authenticity and was relatable, which makes me connect more deeply and become more invested.

Ultimately uplifting and more indie vibes, with a note of quirkiness I'm always a suckered for!

Fabulous cast and performances.

I hope to see more films made by this director and will be recommending ot to friends I know appreciate films with these vibes.

Merry Good Enough is destined to become a Christmas classic. The story line and characters are familiar to us because we have all experience them. But they are reflected back to us with such warmth and humor that our attention never flags. There are none of the over-the-top plots or caricatured performances here, just sensitive, nuanced portrayals of our friends and families dealing with issues that seem to surface every holiday season. So why is the film so riveting? It is because we are drawn into a world that is deep within our personal experience, but not so intimate that our thoughts turn inward. Instead, we feel only love, and empathy for the characters and joy at their triumphs. The casting was superb. Each actor displayed a range of skills from comedic timing to genuine emotional vulnerability. The direction, editing and music were worthy of a big budget film. But, this is an "Indy" produced on a shoestring, making it worthy of "Christmas miracle" status.

This Christmas movie captivates with its charm and relatability, featuring outstanding performances from Raye Levine, Sawyer Spielberg, and the entire talented ensemble. It delves into the compelling and nuanced dynamics of a dysfunctional family prompted into introspection following their mother's disappearance just before Christmas. The characters are exquisitely crafted, with Lucy's emotional evolution in her relationships with her mother and siblings portrayed in a way that's heartfelt, humorous, and thought-provoking. The dialogue is consistently fresh and natural, bringing an authentic emotional depth to this touching depiction of a troubled yet lovable family.