Un Noël à El Camino

This isn't your average movie. It's almost chaotic as a rather bizarre set of circumstances spins out of control. There's lots of breaks with reality, otherwise I'd rated this movie higher. Still it's an entertaining movie worth watching. No big surprises as you can see all the plot twists coming a mile away, but that doesn't detract from the humor or the way the plot develops.

Turned this on with my morning coffee not expecting much. It turned out to be a really fun ride. It wasn't exactly unpredictable, the story wasn't elaborate, and it was all over shortly after it begins. Even so, it was a brief and unexpected roller coaster of emotion. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.

Could have been better and only ironicly funny. Good premise for the story and good cast a bit wasted by plot and script.

**WARNINGS**

First warning: If this were a rated film, it would be "R", not only for the multiple F-bombs, but the subject matter and plot.

Second warning: This ain't Hallmark. There are some funny moments, but overall, this is pretty dark. It's not a typical "Christmas" movie. In fact, there isn't a super strong connection to Christmas.

That said, I enjoyed it a lot. Tim Allen is definitely playing against type. I believe it's hard to play "stupid" convincingly, but Dax Shepard pulls it off. Michelle Mylett looks very familiar, but upon checking IMDb, it's doubtful I've seen her before. I predict we'll see a lot more of her. The rest of the star-studded cast turn in an excellent ensemble performance.

It's a bit predictable in parts, but still a very enjoyable movie. And in the end, you really are in the Christmas spirit.

Will it win an Oscar or an Emmy? Heck no. Was it fun to watch? Yeah it was.

Kudos to Netflix for making this. Tim Allen really shined and it was great to see Kurtwood Smith also. It was a good time-occupier, had a good ending. Cinematography? Script? Sound? whatever, it was fun and well cast.

Hope Netflix can keep producing things like this and "Godless". You gotta swing the bat to make a hit and "El Camino Christmas" was a solid single (while Godless was a stand up double, maybe a slide-in triple).