Lets get one thing straight, I LOVE Steve "The Gute" Guttenburg. The man is an acting colossus. However, even I, arguably his biggest fan in the England and Wales area, was not prepared for the sheer acting clinic that he put on in this film. From start to finish, this was the Guttenburg show. He owned the screen in every shot, from his authentic Christmas laugh to his down to Earth smile. Whilst the other actors in this film portrayed their roles heroically, they looked like amateurs in comparison to Mr Guttenburg. One actor I would like to single out for some slight criticism is Dominic Scott Kay, who played Jake. His performance made me want to eat my own eyes out, and if I ever meet him in person I would have no hesitation in punching him square in the throat for nearly ruining an instant Guttenburg classic. Judging by his performance he has obviously not been acting for long, which would make me question the casting agents decision to hire him for such a prestigious role. If I were the casting agent, I would have personally hired Kiefer Sutherland for the role of Jake, as he has already cut his acting chops, and established a screen and radio presence. To conclude, this Christmas classic is already a must watch in my household and I imagine that come Oscar season it will be rolling in Academy Awards and praise. The emotionally moving ending will have you bauble-ing and reindeer-ing tears from all angles. Simply put: PERFECT. Apart from Jake who was really bad.
