A Sudden Christmas Affair is a wonderful modern Christmas story set against the backdrop of summer. Starring Danny DeVito as a loving grandfather who owns and operates a hotel in the Italian countryside, the film explores complex relationships with a comedic twist. It has quality and charm, and is worth watching this holiday season.
Every Christmas, Claire (Antonella Rose) and her parents travel to her grandfather’s hotel in the picturesque Italian countryside. Unlike previous years, however, her parents took her out several months into the early summer to share important news. After the revelation that her parents are planning to separate, Claire makes one request for the time they have left: celebrate Christmas as they always do when they visit them.
A Sudden Affair at Christmas Offers Great Comedy and Drama for the Whole Family
The Holiday Movie Has a Unique Story and Execution
For any Christmas movie to be successful, it needs to do several things well. In general, this includes telling a story that takes place at or around Christmas time. Until Die Harda much contested “Christmas” film, manages to do this. However, A Sudden Christmas Affair It immediately sets itself apart by being set outside of the holiday season. Despite it being summer, the film brings Christmas to the characters in a genuine way.
Although the film is an independent production, it has all the quality and charm of a bigger Christmas film and is worth watching this holiday season.
This quirky change from the norm immediately puts the film in a category of its own, and when combined with DeVito’s incredible comedy, the entire story is elevated to become a unique, modern Christmas hit. Continuing this effort to break the mold, the film does not revolve around a traditionally happy family, as the central parents are currently at the end of their marriage. But bringing all these extraneous elements to the foreground makes for a better story.
The reality is that things get hectic and stressful during the holiday season. So when a movie like A sudden case of Christmas puts this at the center of the story, it manages to resonate and connect in a way that other Christmas films don’t. Instead of bizarre Christmas miracles, there’s a real, hard-working family at the center of the story, who are just trying hard to make everything work and put a smile on their children’s faces. Ultimately, this chaos and cracks make the story authentic and fun.
A Surprise Christmas Is a Lot of Work
The cast is ready for the task and Danny DeVito isn’t left to carry the film’s comedy
Running a hotel is already a complex job, but organizing a festive season in August (against the wishes of some of your guests), welcoming family and keeping the peace between a couple who are ready to separate is a heavy burden. Fortunately, DeVito’s Lawrance is up to the task as he tackles these various issues with a smile and a joke at the ready. However, DeVito is not alone in carrying the film’s comedic weight.
It’s an easy film to watch, with some deeper moments that made me reflect and relate to the central themes and messages.
DeVito is joined by his real-life daughter, Lucy DeVito, who plays his on-screen daughter, Abbie. In front of Lucy is That 70s show stars Wilmer Valderrama as her husband and Andie MacDowell as her mother. Each of these characters carries the weight of the film’s comedy and, thanks to their vast experience, they do an excellent job. However, there are several ongoing storylines that often intersect and sometimes conflict.
Despite these minor setbacks with the meandering narrative, the film continues to deliver fun and moving moments and builds a thoughtful and moving story. It’s an easy film to watch, with some deeper moments that made me reflect and relate to the central themes and messages. Among the busy landscape of Christmas films, A Sudden Christmas Affair It’s worth watching as it offers something unique compared to the rest of the Christmas list.
A Sudden Christmas Affair is now playing in select theaters and available on demand and digital.