Ira Finkelstein's Christmas

I recently saw Ira Finkelstein's Christmas at the Seattle premier and was thoroughly impressed by the film. The cast is terrific and the script delightful. I have four children, ages 13 - 9 and each of them loved it. There was enough action to keep it exciting, laugh out loud humor and a charming story line. If you are looking for a film that the entire family can enjoy, I highly recommend this.

The film is a Christmakah, Chanu-mess, Festivus for the Restuvus that captures the longing for holiday spirit and joy that so many people search for during the holiday season. And as so often occurs in real life...it is elusive. In the end, it is ultimately the joy and love of family and friends that triumphs over any particular holiday celebration. But getting there is a lot of fun!

The casting is wonderful. David DeLuise is perfect as a overzealous B movie maker waiting to have his big break, and Elliott Gould hilarious as the Jewish grandfather who gets his grandson for the holidays. This is the first time I have seen Elijah Nelson, but he does a phenomenal job in the title role of Ira. Justin Howell is also fabulous as Ira's counterpart, Mickey. The rest of the young cast is refreshing and adorable.

I watched this movie at the Seattle premier. I was happily surprised by the fun and sweet content of the film. I thought it would be a real "kids" movie and that I would be bored but it was completely the opposite. The script was well written with a few zingers for both kids and adults alike and the characters were likable and very real. The story line itself takes an original turn- even though it contains the echo of parent trap-like movies from the 60s and 70s. That may be why I like it so much- it stayed true to being a wholesome film suitable for the entire family but had enough humor and one liners in it to keep everyone entertained without feeling like they had seen it before. Plus, there is some really great original holiday music in it as an added bonus. I highly recommend taking your entire family to see this sweet, family film. Beware- the ending is so well written that it will invoke a few happy/joy tears. Loved it! It should be a Christmas tradition.

Sue Cochran has done it again! "IRA" is one of the absolute funniest, family friendly films I've seen in years! Finally an entertaining movie I can take my grandchildren to without blood, guts, aliens or violence. This movie displays humor, family values, adventure and understanding without gratuitous violence, slick tricks or overwhelming special effects. A poignant storyline, well portrayed by all. The actors were stellar, from the Hollywood veterans to the local talent. Wonderful to see DeLuise and Gould working together. A shout out to Ira's mother,played by Seattle theater star, Angela DiMarco. Awesome to see her on the big screen with her impeccable comedic timing. This film is well rafted. This film is well written. Thank you Von Piglet, well done!

A strong cast and delightful plot line drive this family Christmas story with a Hanukkah twist (or is it a Hanukkah story with a Christmas twist?).

The young leads--Ira and Mikey, played by Elijah Nelson and Justin Howell--charmed their way through their scenes, and their interaction with the adults--especially Mikey and his grandfather, played by Elliott Gould, showed wonderful chemistry.

But the show stealer was Jennifer Cameo--a washed up (dare I say 'touched'?) middle-aged actress played by Julianne Christie. From the opening scene, the film's comedic element was driven by her, setting a lighthearted and slightly off subplot to the movie.

This was a movie for the whole family, and a delightful holiday treat.

A humorous and heartwarming tale about the true spirit of Christmas that both children and adults will love.

Wonderfully captures the character and quirks of Christian and Jewish (Christmas & Hannukah) season celebrations and beliefs about themselves and the other... The joyous innocence, hope and longings of younger children celebrating the season set off against the fault lines of teenage self pre-occupation, cynicism and alienation... the ultimate triumph of love and humanity that is the true spirit of Christmas.

Expect this movie to be a staple of families with young children for many a Christmas season in the years ahead. Plan on lot's of laughter and moist eye at the end for the redemption and reconciliation of all by the end of the movie.