Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story

The dog gets sick, forcing Steph to deal with her family over Christmas. Except... she seems to have very little to do with the dog at all.

Instead we have a cast of diverse-for-the-sake of diversity characters, where their diversity is explicitly explained by everyone else to force people who normally wouldn't hang out together to hang out together. Oh, you're a lesbian? Come hang out with me because my boyfriend isn't talking to me. Blergh.

It's just one trope after another, with nothing original. Sure, it's another girl-returns-to-hometown-to-find-love Christmas movies, but without any of the heart you would expect to find. The whole film feels very forced, and no one seems to have enjoyed making the film.

Recommended for those brief scenes with the dog.

I can say several positive things about this movie. It is possible that people who hate the perfect couples or perfect families all over Hallmark and Lifetime will like this family. I am reminded of a TV movie about "The Partridge Family" where Danny Bonaduce's father was so happy about writing for a show called "All in the Family" where everyone hates each other. The truth is there was love there if you were patient, and that's true of this family too. When Steph first arrives, everyone is happy to see her, and there are a few scenes where they get along. And I think people looking for a nice holiday will eventually be rewarded.

But this much arguing, especially at Christmas, is hard to take. Also, even though I don't like dogs, how exactly is it funny that the dog dies? Or does it? There is a lot of deception going on. And I misunderstood some of it and thought the vet was doing something inexcusable, something that would get her in a lot of trouble. I assume Australia has ethics rules for professionals. I did at least find the vet pleasant.

I did like the pretty holiday clothes. If you hate matching pajamas ... well, it wasn't like that at all.

Okay, I did like Randy, Steph's brother. And his friend Leon, who wasn't used to holiday celebrations. He tried to put up with it all.

Steph had a cousin who usually wore brightly colored exercise wear that showed off a very fit body.

The only thing I can suggest is that you either have patience or record it and fast forward to the end.

I can only guess the poor reviews are from people who don't get Australian humor or culture.

I found this film a riot- heartfelt, silly, hilarious and unique. It reminded me a bit of a Kerrigan family Christmas, with more family tension.

Sure, it's no cinematic masterpiece, and there were some 'as if' moments, but compared to the other American 'copy and paste' daytime TV style Xmas films on offer, this was an unexpected gem.

Extra stars for Nugget, who was adorable, and the LGBTIQ nods in the storyline.

Suitable for kids 10+

And never trust anyone who turns down a slice of pavlova!

Merry Christmas.

I'm not sure why this was even made. What is the point of this film? It's set around Christmas but is the furthest from being a Christmas movie.

It's unclear why the main character was even in a relationship with the rich kid. There is never enough of a spark between them to even believe the main character cares about missing Christmas with her Boyfriend. This undermines the whole film off rip. Making the rest hard to even stomach.

Overly annoying cast, predictable story, unrealistic characters and character motivation... and the dog ends up dying? What about this is Christmas. Absolutely depressing movie for the holidays.

Disappointed we even spent the time to watch it. Not sure why so many channels are bothering to air this.

That most American audiences don't quite get Australian humor is not surprising, but what is amazing is the fact that a major network put this on in the US in prime time. Gutsy move.

Fans of Upper Middle Bogan and A Very Moody Christmas/The Moodys (Aussie version) will enjoy this romp. Nobody does dysfunctional families quite like our Australian cousins. It's fairly formulaic, but most Christmas movies are. It is the wacky characterizations that make these shows memorable. I already mentioned A Very Moody Christmas ... this film is very similar to that series. An exuberant family guided by love despite their diverse personalities. I love the southern hemisphere Christmas aspects too ... it's full-on Summer there during Christmastime.