Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story

I'm an American enjoying this Aussie film. I loved that the characters looked and acted like regular people, not the heavily manicured characters you get in most American TV. People in this movie had wrinkles, thinning hair, unflattering clothing, emotional outbursts, and said inane things regular people would say. Only one character was super thin. Even the rich mother character had obvious wrinkles. In American TV, you see very little of this- everyone gets a glow up. The plot of this movie isn't revolutionary, but it's sweet as expected for a holiday movie. It's a nice contrast to Hallmark movies.

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.

Nugget is Dead? Is a great Aussie Christmas movie! The beginning is a bit slow but the story picks up in the first half and delivers a fantastic second half conclusion. Overall, it's a heartwarming and funny film, with the perfect amount of lameness expected in a quintessential Christmas movie.

The acting is superb and production is quality. The cousins were my favourite characters. I love seeing more Australian movies, keep it up.

The humour is specific, so please don't expect an American Hallmark style movie. I hope this becomes a summer staple, this is a great one to put on with the family.

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.

This Australian comedy film has received a range of reviews, which highlights its unique charm and relatability compared to typical American holiday movies.

The film presents an authentic portrayal of everyday characters, depicting real people with flaws-wrinkles and emotional outbursts-rather than the polished figures often seen in American productions. This authenticity is refreshing, particularly for those weary of the predictable and overly sentimental Hallmark style. It offers a sweet narrative that stands apart from formulaic holiday fare, appealing to audiences in search of originality and offbeat character development.

The plot centres around Steph, who navigates her relationship with her wealthy boyfriend's family during the holidays, ultimately returning to her own loud and loving family. This dynamic subtly comments on class differences while capturing the chaotic yet heartwarming essence of family gatherings. While the film may not break new ground in storytelling, it effectively reflects the messiness of human life, resonating with anyone who appreciates films that depict both joy and underlying tensions during festive times.

Though it follows some familiar tropes typical of holiday movies, its quirky characterizations and humour set it apart. The cast delivers commendable performances, showcasing excellent comedic timing and relatability that contribute to a narrative filled with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt scenes. The film possesses a quintessential Australian edge, blending sharp humour with genuine emotion, making it an enjoyable watch for families during the holiday season.

This distinctive Australian humour may not resonate with everyone, but it provides a delightful alternative to more conventional holiday films. Its heartfelt, silly, exaggerated, and at times unhinged portrayal of Aussie family life captures the spirit of an "Aussie Christmas" in a way that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

Give it a fair chance, and you will likely be glad you did.