Natal Entre Vizinhos

Thankfully not another sickly sweet Christmas movie. A refreshingly different Hallmark holiday film, that was funny and quirky. The plot and script worked and the dialog was good, plenty of repartee. Lacey Chabert is always reliable, it was obvious that West Brown was enjoying himself acting it up as Jared and he was funny. The standouts were Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned and Melissa Peterman as Pamela, they were very funny. A character actors' dream and there were plenty of character actors who gave very good performances. The pace was perfect from the encounter between Lacey Chabert and Jake Stormoen (Dan) to the very end. Good script, good acting and enjoyable to watch.

Good to see Kristoffer Polaha and Eric Mabius.

Lacey Chabert is one of our favorites, so we looked forward to this. We're not the only big fans ... that's why they made her their new spokesperson for Christmas movies after other stars signed with GAF.

However, this movie just annoyed me from start to finish. The writers went for zany and quirky and slapstick. Three swings, three misses.

The HOA part of the plot seemed overbearing and intrusive and ALWAYS over the top. The movie wasn't full of "Christmas spirit", but anti-social, antagonistic, controlling neighbors I might have been driven to burn out.

I was ready to bag it by the "set up the reindeer" scene, but my wife held on to desperate hope for improvement for somewhat longer. A few minutes later, she succumbed to the desire to stop the pain.

Many times, the small screen imitates the big screen. For Hallmark's take on Christmas with the Kranks, check out the new release, Haul Out the Holly. And no, before you start cringing, the heroine's name isn't Holly. Lacey Chabert plays Emily, a woman who returns to the sanctuary of her childhood home to heal from a break-up over Christmas. Only, her parents have taken off on a spontaneous Florida vacation and have refused to stay behind to lend emotional support. At first, I thought they knew their daughter so well, their abandonment was one giant "recovery plan": by making her focus on the Christmas spirit, she'd forget about her broken heart and find herself. But no, they just went on vacation. Another plot point I found confusing: if Lacey wanted to be left alone over the holiday and not get immersed in cheer and festivities, why did she return to her small hometown that has an entire HOA dedicated to Christmas decorations and traditions? Did she really think she pass December by without a wreath or tree?

Haul Out the Holly has a very modern style of humor, so not everyone will be laughing until their sides hurt. The under-30 crowd probably will, as it has a theme that's very popular with the "young folks": make fun of rich, white people. Set in a wealthy Utah suburb, the bulk of the humor is dedicated to poking fun of HOA rules and the strictness of "Christmas cheer quotas". One woman bursts into hysterical sobs when she wins a cookie contest, one man measures the height of a nutcracker to see if it's up to the neighborhood standards, and there's a "Team Kringle" secret society that comes with a Santa hat, striped walkie talkie, and underground initiation.

If you're laughing at those little examples, you'll love this movie. If you've ever lived among a strict HOA and found it ridiculous, you'll be glad to release some tension and laugh at your former (or current) neighbors. I was very happy to see some familiar faces in the supporting cast. While everyone will look forward to "Ned Ryerson" (Stephen Tobolowsky) playing one of the gung-ho neighbors, I was thrilled to recognize Walter Platz, whom I watch every year in one of my favorite Hallmarks, Switched for Christmas. Honestly, he was the highlight of the movie for me. Give this over-the-top Christmas comedy a try, especially if you're watching it with your adult children who will probably love it.

Watching this as I'm searching to buy a home & this movie reinforces,my hate for HOA or similar associations.

Imagine paying a mortgage/owning a home & dealing with a person or association,way more annoying than a landlord.

No thanks! Why do people choose this? Unless an association is formed after your an owner,but still why agree to such things.

Being ticketed for holiday standards not being followed? This movie actually gave me anxiety,wasn't almost anything cute about it.

Look at Naughty or Nice & even Christmas with the Kranks,dealt with neighbor issues but in a comedic way.. This movie went in an unhealthy direction,calling it satire still doesn't excuse it.

Oh sure many feel an HOA is useful from preventing nearby Sandford & Son type homes,but bullying a person that doesn't follow Stepford protocol is ridiculous.. I have ran across many HOA communities that only allow D. I. N. K-Double Income No Kid,that's a whole other level of crazy to avoid.

Sure it was a bit different storyline & acting like the houses over the top,but nothing worth watching again.

Casting was ok & cinematography,is always decent.

I think some low reviews are from viewers who took this movie way too seriously. It's supposed to be over-the-top and almost satire. Hallmark movies need to be approached with the proper attitude, especially the Holiday offerings. Don't expect award winning plots or acting. Sit back and just enjoy.

Wes Brown is funny, who knew? He is adorable in this movie. Lacey is charming as always. And Melissa Peterman, whom I usually loath, was also funny and made me almost like her.

So no, it's not Oscar worthy. But it is a fun romp. If all the little details aren't picked to shreds, examined, and found lacking by the plot police.