Roger Ebert-Slammed ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ Becomes Surprising Free to Stream hit on Freevee

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As a long-time connoisseur of holiday films, I must admit that my initial viewing of “Christmas with the Kranks” in 2004 left me rather underwhelmed. However, revisiting it on Freevee 20 years later has provided a newfound appreciation for this quirky comedy.

The storyline, while unconventional, offers a refreshing take on the holiday season that challenges the norms of consumerism and conformity. I found myself chuckling at the Kranks’ attempts to scramble last-minute preparations, especially when their neighbors, led by Dan Akroyd’s character, Marty, become increasingly intrusive.

The film’s cast, featuring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and comedy legend Dan Aykroyd, delivers solid performances that elevate the movie beyond its initial critical reception. The chemistry between the characters and their comedic timing make for an entertaining watch, even if some of the humor may be hit or miss.

In terms of the film’s messaging, I believe it offers a thoughtful critique of societal expectations during the holiday season without being overly preachy. While the Boston Globe’s review might have been a bit harsh, I found that the Kranks’ decision to skip Christmas ultimately serves as a reminder to prioritize personal joy and togetherness over materialistic excess.

Ultimately, while “Christmas with the Kranks” may not be everyone’s cup of eggnog, I’d recommend giving it a watch for its unique take on the holiday season and the talented cast that brings it to life. And if you’re still unsure, remember: You can always skip it and go for a Caribbean cruise instead!

20 years after its initial release in 2004, the controversial holiday movie “Christmas with the Kranks,” featuring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dan Akroyd, has gained a new lease on life on Freevee. In this film, Luther (Allen) and Nora Krank (Curtis) find their plans for a Caribbean vacation instead of Christmas celebrations upended when their daughter decides to return home unexpectedly. The Christmas-themed comedy is currently the most popular title on Freevee, Amazon’s free, advertisement-supported streaming platform.

Following its premiere, “Christmas with the Kranks” garnered a decent amount at the box office, earning $96.6 million, against a production budget of $60 million. Despite boasting a strong cast, this holiday film received poor reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, scoring only 5%. Critics found numerous problems with the movie, labeling it as “exhausting,” “unfunny,” “unoriginal,” “grueling,” and even “hellish.” Directed by Joe Roth, “Christmas with the Kranks” is a cinematic adaptation of John Grisham’s novel “Skipping Christmas“. The 2001 comedic book satirizes consumerism while delving into the essence of the holiday. However, some critics felt that the book’s satirical elements didn’t translate effectively on screen and criticized the movie for its conflicting messages. In a review for The Boston Globe, it was noted:

This movie portrays Christmas as a commercialized spectacle, suggests that our neighbors are intellectually inferior, and depicts suburban life as a terrain of rigid uniformity, ultimately implying that those who hold such views are cold-hearted misanthropes.

Roger Ebert awarded the film only one out of four stars, critiquing it for its conflicting messages.

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Roger Ebert gave the film a mere one-star rating and criticized it for its confusing message.

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According to Roger Ebert, the movie received only one star from him due to its unclear messaging issues.

The movie fails to inject humor, evident in its portrayal of the Kranks as reasonable individuals contrasted with their overbearing neighbors. Instead of promoting Christmas spirit, it seems to suggest the Kranks giving in to conformity. I believe this film could be seen as a subtle warning against those who challenge the norm in their community, once celebrated as American individualism, now perceived as foreboding. The message appears to be: Conform and follow the loudest voice in the neighborhood. The underlying theme might be: Beware of defying the majority.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ Has Become Another Shocking Streaming Hit

Despite receiving unfavorable reviews from critics who gave it a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences found a softer spot for Christmas with the Kranks, appreciating its heartfelt moments and commending the actors’ comic abilities.

It seems that the renewed popularity of the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” can be attributed to several factors. Some viewers appreciate holiday films with unconventional storylines, like the unusual scenario where one is pressured to put up a massive inflatable snowman on their roof during Christmas. Others simply adore “Christmas with the Kranks” and make it a tradition to watch it every festive season.

The film’s cast is another significant factor. Allen, known for his iconic role as Santa Claus in the “The Santa Clause” series, remains a staple in Christmas cinema. The rising star of Curtis, who we eagerly anticipate will appear in the upcoming “Freaky Friday” sequel, also adds to the movie’s appeal. Moreover, the comedy genius of Aykroyd cannot be overlooked.

Lastly, there are those who are discovering this film for the first time, possibly contributing to its resurgence.

If you want to decide whether or not “Christmas with the Kranks” truly lives up to all the negative criticism it’s received, give it a watch on Freevee. You can also stream it on Hulu for your convenience.

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2024-12-29 17:31