I just watched the Ebert & Roeper review of Christmas with the Kranks, the movie based on John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas. I haven’t seen the movie, but Ebert and Roeper both hated it (“big big big thumbs down down down”). What I found interesting is that many of their complaints against the movie were exactly the reasons Laura and I didn’t like the book when we read it two years ago.
I’ve still got the book on my shelf, because I keep meaning to re-read it. Last time it came up, Suzanne (who didn’t like it either) suggested that maybe it was supposed to be a farce, and I kept meaning to read it again to see it was better that way. From what I’ve seen of Christmas with the Kranks, it’s definitely a comedy, but of the slapstick variety, rather than attempting any broader social commentary. Either that, or the movie did such a poor job of conveying it that neither Ebert or Roeper got it.
Hi. Stumbled into your weblog. I have to say, I haven’t read the book, didn’t see the review, and I am still NOT going to see the movie? Why???
How could anyone, who has small kids and enjoyed both Santa Clause (1 & 2) films even bother to see this film….? I mean, First Tim Allen is Santa and now he’s not doing Christmas just cuz his daughter isn’t coming to town and then he is because she changed her mind at the last minute. Tim Allen made a huge mistake in doing the SC films…because now it’s horrible to imagine him AGAINST christmas…oh well, that’s the breaks kid…I’ll get over it.
Anyway, thanks for the venting platform!!