Christmas with the Karountzoses

Yes, this is another family gathering Christmas movie. No, it's not one of those dime-a-dozen ones. It's quite different. Those who are at the Christmas Eve dinner are the couple hosting it; their two well-behaved teenager sons; the grandfather; a Greek Orthodox priest; a cousin with a fun loving new girlfriend, who is a therapist; a non-stop talking estranged cousin and his "gang" of three elder Greek women; and two Mormon missionaries, who turned out to be not quite that.

This movie is both a celebration of Christmas, especially the religious side of it, and a celebration of everything Greek. It's not heavy-handed about religion, but is devout. There's lots of eating and drinking and singing and dancing. The girlfriend therapist even ends up giving everyone a private 15-minute therapy session. Things get serious during those sessions, but this movie is still more sincere, than stressful or sugary.

P. S. Forgot to mention something else unusual about this movie--during the dinner scenes, a studio audience can be heard laughing!

I watched this by chance. I was recording Christmas movies and didn't know what this was. For some reason in the UK it was called Christmas with the Krazies on the TV. I loved it. So amazing. Really funny actors. Talented as well. The little touches really made it all the better. Such a great find.

I would recommend it to anyone. Definitely give it a watch.

Watching this mid-September on the Sony Movie Christmas channel!

We had no idea what to expect, as usually Christmas movies are a bit third rate. This was well-written with funny characters sitting round a Christmas Eve family meal. Got a gentle message about what's important in life, but this never eclipses the comedic values. It's a Christmas movie that could get on the 'Watch It Again' each year, along with Home Alone, The Ref, Elf and The Family Stone.

Fun, witty, different and not what I expected (in a pleasant way). Been binge watching Christmas movies for a few days this season and this one is a keeper. Less to do with a "Greek" family, it's more of an any family Christmas. Great concept, good acting, good dialog and did I say witty. Just go ahead and watch it, you'll walk away happy.

I enjoyed this film very much. Made me laugh while I enjoyed my thanksgiving dinner. Cast was great. Honest family humor and fun. The therapist stole the show too.