Merry In-Laws

The main draw of this TV movie is really the fact that 'Cheers' stars Shelley Long and George Wendt reunite in it.

But actually this is worth watching without that detail, because a decent story is being told. Yes, it's a little predictable, and it's certainly more than a little cheesy, but it's well meaning, and hey- it's a Christmas film.

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would, and that's because of the performances that were given by the actors, who try their best to rise above the sentiment that can sometimes clog films like this.

If you're in need of a 'Cheers' reunion, this could be the place to go.

This movie relies heavily on exaggerated extremes for humor. Alex is a rigid realist with no room for video games or Santa Clause. Her father is worse, if that's possible. He has never heard of tact. In fact he seems bound and determined to offend Peter and his family from the start. Meanwhile Peter's father is actually Santa Claus.

Much of the movie is the Claus family's frivolity vs the Spencers' judgmentalism. It makes for a lot of fun situations. Throw in efforts to hide the secret. I wish Alex's dad wasn't SO mean. I find it hard to laugh when I want to throw something sharp and lethal at one of the characters.

In this type of movie, acting is hard to judge. George Wendt and Shelley Long play their parts well even when some silliness is required. Kassia Warshawski has moments, good and bad, but mostly good. Lucas Bryant has some awful moments, especially when he gets nervously excited.

Don't go by my rating. Alex's dad ruined it for me and this type of humor isn't my favorite.

We thought it was a quirky fun Christmas movie missing one thing. Where's the reindeer?

I hadn't seen this one before but when I saw it had two Cheers stars back together I knew I had to give it a watch. I'm glad I did as it was a lot of fun.

Nice enough for be moving. first for the eccentric option for George Wendt for Mr. Claus, a bad idea as hypothesis, an admirable result at the end. second - adorable performance of Shelley Long. not the last, the ordinary ingredients for a Christmas movie who, in this case, are more seductive. a film who reminds not exactly the spirit of Christmas but its mark on the family spirit. and this is more than a significant virtue.