A Christmas Karen

I watched this with zero expectations. It was hilarious! I didn't read any reviews until after I watched it. The only reasons anyone would give it a terrible review would be because they are, themselves, a Karen. The cast was filled with new actors. They did amazing. It was nice to not have to think beyond a Hollywood star to get to the character.

There were many current cultural references which made it relevant. They could have overdone the whole Karen thing but they did a great job balancing the humor with the original story line of the almost 200 year classic story. Who knows if it will become a "must watch" Christmas movie down the road but it sure works for now.

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 hit play on my TV expecting to watch 5 minutes of this and turn it off. Surprisingly there were a few really funny parts that kept me watching, mainly Jackie, Karen's deceased best friend. She was the best character. I was expecting some Christian garbage that you see on Pureflix but it had a lot of dirty jokes and it wasn't overly preachy. The actors do a decent job, which is uncommon for a low-budget movie. I really hope more "Karens" watch this so they can learn to mind their own business and not call the police over minor inconveniences. It's not a classic, but I'm not angry I watched it. Maybe I'll watch it again in a few years during the holiday season.

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 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.