ShareThis"The Perfect Holiday" isn't everyone's idea of a perfect holiday film, but it's a charming chick flick that should also find favor with family audiences.The film starts with an animated credits sequence that segues into a live-action farce with a sort of Christmas angel and devil, played by Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard, respectively. They turn up throughout the film in a duel of Christmas spirit and "bah, humbug!"Morris Chestnut plays Benjamin, a struggling songwriter who augments his income during the holidays by working as a mall Santa. Gabrielle Union plays Nancy, a divorced mother of three who is too busy taking care of her kids to spend any time on herself.When a little girl, Emily (Khail Bryant), sits on Santa Benjamin's lap, he expects her to have the usual list of dolls and toys. But Emily has been listening to her mother's conversation with her friends, and she asks for something for Nancy, instead.As a result, Benjamin later gives Nancy a compliment that makes her day, and after a comical search, the two come together. Benjamin tries to make himself seem more grounded by pretending to be an office-supplies salesman. He doesn't mention his songwriting.Coincidentally, Nancy's ex-husband, James (Charles Murphy), is a rapper whose producer, Delicious (Katt Williams), wants him to put something pretty and seasonal on his new album.Nancy and Benjamin start to fall hard for each other, and Nancy's best friends (Rachel True, Jill Marie Jones) are thrilled. Not so happy is Nancy's oldest, John-John (Malik Hammond), who harbors hope that his parents will reconcile.Director Lance Rivera, working from a script he concocted with three other writers, veers between warm-hearted exchanges and over-the-top tomfoolery. The scenario is contrived to the max, but the actors manage to turn it into a sweet and engaging outing.Rivera backs away from some of the most predictable predicaments. The movie scores points by focusing on the kids and their needs, yet it also gives a voice to the caregiver and her needs.Hunky Chestnut makes Benjamin a dream date in most ways, and beautiful Union commands respect and empathy. They turn "The Perfect Holiday" into a pleasant Yuletide whimsy.Rated PG for brief language and some suggestive humor.Three and a half stars (out of five).(Contact Betsy Pickle of The Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee at www.knoxnews.com.)
'Pefect Holiday' isn't, but has enough charm to get by
Submitted by administrator on Wed, 12/12/2007 - 11:23
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