Natale con l'ex

Nonsensical story full of ridiculous situations that weren't funny. Inane dialogue that isn't the least bit funny. Universally bad acting. It seemed like the actors were merely coasting. Inconsistent half-effort Irish accent.

Even if all of that weren't true, the movie fails in one of the most important aspects to an enjoyable Christmas/romance movie - none of the characters were particularly likeable, not even the protagonists.

Other than being a deadline and some snowy weather, Christmas wasn't even a factor.

This sounds like a sour-grapes review, but it's not. Bear in mind that I have reviewed over 1,000 movies, the vast majority Christmas and/or romance. I happen to like Kristy Swanson most of the time.

Reasons not to watch it: 1) The screenplay sounds like it was written by a child. The consistent repetition of lines... OMG, did my head in! 2) Not one good spirited aspect to the storyline. In direct conflict with all central Christmas themes/messages 3) The most appalling acting ever 4) One and a half hours you'll never get back....

Honestly I was totally horrified at the acting and the whole mess of a screenplay. The girlfriend was vulgar and annoying constantly dressing with provocative clothing. What a train wreck she was, another fast forward with remote. Not the wholesome romance I usually enjoy. The daughter was so irritating especially the chip scene, I ended up fast forwarding and mother in laws acting was not any better. Cain on the other did give a good performance. The Irish accent was bologna and the character was obnoxious. Honestly I hate the fact I purchased this movie. Please do not waste your time or money. I would give it a negative 10! Completely unbearable!

As I watched, I was consistently surprised by the truly awful acting, writing and directing. I kept wondering, "who read this awful screenplay and said, 'Yes, let's make this film!'?" The leading character is tossed out by his wife over a misunderstanding and she never lets him explain or hears him out. She proves, at every turn, to be an absolute clueless, selfish obnoxious b*&%!... yet this guy - who has plenty of other options keeps pining for her. I personally don't know anyone that thick and stupid, which makes the plot so ridiculous. Add to that her c-you-next-Tuesday mother and a horrid child and I couldn't help but wonder how big of a jerk this character is to want them back. The ex-wife's boyfriend character is SO bad, the performance is simply .embarrassing. Several characters are trying to get to Mammoth Mtn., a CA ski resort that's closed by a snow storm. They actually end up using dog sleds to get there! Seriously??? As if you can just order those up for on-demand transportation in CA? This is SO bad it should be used as a how-not-to example at UCLA film-school.

So, going in I had no idea about this movie, but we gave it a shot anyway.

The acting is, well... goofy. But I think it's _deliberately_ goofy and campy, to an extent. This movie is really not meant to be taken too seriously.

Once we realized that, we actually enjoyed some of the bizarre moments they threw in there. The lawyer's strange family, the clerk at the shop ordering pizza, etc. I mean, there are so many totally random, bizarre little nuggets of humor that we were laughing in spite of everything else.

Even the terrible Irish accents (that I couldn't quite place at first... I thought it was just a really thick Canadian accent, but then it kept changing the more the movie went on).

So, just sit back and chill and be ready for one heck of a strange ride.