A Christmas Karen

As a fan of Christmas Carol stories, but having a harsh hatred of Karens, I was curious going into this one how I was going to enjoy it. I really did overall! The cast had a lot of fun with it, and it's a very modern take on the classic tale. It had quite a few laugh out loud sequences while also tugging at the heartstrings at the right moments. It really completes the gambit of an emotional rollercoaster, all wrapped up in a Christmas bow. I think this will definitely fair better with an older audience, who might be exhausted at the amount of Carol options on streaming. But for sure, there are a lot of "Karens" out there who could take a lesson from this one!

This is a long movie. It feels like it takes a long time to get through it for what it is, its premise and story and all.

But that being said, it's not horrible.

There are a couple of times that I actually chuckled.

Out loud and genuinely.

The lead actress is actually quite good in her role as the title character.

This feels a step above a direct to dvd type film. To me, it almost feels like one of those Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.

It has that look.

Maybe that was its goal?

Other actors who play the ghosts are decent as well.

You see, the storyline here follows the same pattern as A Christmas Carol with the Karen being a Scrooge-type character, which makes total sense.

It also makes this less of a one punchline joke of a film more suited for a TikTok video and more of a fully realized film which is good and effective.

But it also forces comparisons to far superior films and their takes on Dickens' classic.

I don't like the expression "Karen". I never use it. I don't like when other people say it. It's a stupid label that I wish would just go away. So with that said, I wasn't expecting much from "A Christmas Karen". This movie turned out to be quite a surprise. There are quite a few laughs in this movie. The cast is likeable. Sure, some scenes work better than others but there are no deal breakers. The movie is also a little bit too long. Ten minutes shorter would have helped. I don't know if I'll ever revisit "A Christmas Karen" but you never know. Stranger things have happened. Honorable mention: a dreamy Ashley B. Jones.

An entitled "Karen" who intimidates and bullies all those around her discovers the meaning of Christmas via three ghosts who show her her past, present and future. I only expected to watch this for a few minutes but found it quite amusing and even touching at times. It's obviously the umpteenth version of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with the new cultural icon (Karen) at its center but it's a fun movie despite the well worn plot. Michele Simms is really quite enjoyable as the horrible Karen who might have some good reasons for being so horrible. Rolin Alexis, Leyla Lawrence and Lee Karlinsky are also quite entertaining with their modern takes on the Dickensian ghosts (I particularly liked the portrayal of the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come as a nervous gamer dude who still retains a menacing edge.). It lacks the professional sheen of a big Hollywood release and there are a few awkward moments where the screenplay doesn't quite work but it's been awhile since a movie surprised me and this one definitely did.

I had zero expectations going into this film, but a good friend liked it and I value her judgement.

I agree the 'Marley' of this film was just off the charts fun, and a great character to act no doubt. The films Crachit family is also well done, and is show don't tell. The script wasn't heavy on emotions or details like most versions of Dickens are, but that worked for it in my opinion. To have had the character or World too heavy with the sort of person who she's supposed to represent would have been to the films disadvantage. The film is a fun poke at the type of person associated with that name, not a message they tried to beat into our skulls.

A few laughs, plenty of wry smiles and nods, and don't take it seriously going in and you'll be fine.