Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Almost Christmas Adoption Movie Review
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Walter is a retired mechanic. A year ago, his wife passed
away after decades of happy marriage. He misses her love, her presence, and
fondly remembers her delicious cooking. For Christmas, Walter invites his
children to the home for one last celebration before he puts the home up for
sale. There’s a lot of tension, though; Christian is running for office. Evan
is addicted to pain medicine. Rachel and Cheryl have both been through unhappy
relationships, but they can’t stand each other. Walter and his sister-in-law
Aunt May will try to hold the family together during this particularly trying
holiday season.
**SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY**
The Adoption
Connection
Almost Christmas is the story of adult children who have recently
lost a mother coming home and dealing with intrafamilial drama. There’s no
mention of adoption here, but many families can relate to loss, sadness, grief,
and difficulty with change. Some viewers will also connect to Evan’s anger when
he realizes Walter intends to sell the family home. Walter and his family must
find a way to honor the past while reconciling it with their present and their
future.
Some viewers might connect with Evan’s grief at the fact
that, because she died, his mother will not see him graduate and marry. He
blames himself for her death, even though he doesn’t have a rational reason for
doing so.
Strong Points
An opening, dialogueless montage covers the scope of Walt’s
marriage to Grace. It reminded me of the first ten minutes of Up.
Although she expresses it in a way that seems manipulative,
a character expresses the helpful truth that life is easier if someone helps
you, even if you can do it yourself.
Challenges
One sister tries to set the other’s unhealthy marriage up
for a very public ending.
Weak Points
One sibling tells her youngest brother that he was an
accident, and then persists in explaining why it’s obvious.
One family member threatens another with a gun.
Recommendations
Almost Christmas was funnier than I expected; I laughed out
loud several times; so did the theater. It won’t appeal to kids, but this could
be a fun date night movie for parents.
Questions for
Discussion
How do you go on with life after a huge loss?
Crises can draw families together or drive families apart.
How can a family ensure that the latter happens rather than the former?
How can you honor the memory of lost loved ones while still moving
forward with your life?
Are there any grudges you’re holding that might be worth
getting rid of?
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