In the world of Christmas movies, it’s not uncommon to find heartwarming tales that spread holiday cheer. However, every so often, a film comes along that elicits an entirely different reaction. Enter Holiday Twist, a new release being dubbed by critics as a strong contender for the worst Christmas movie ever made.
A Modern Scrooge Story Gone Wrong
Holiday Twist attempts to put a contemporary spin on the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. The film follows Connie, played by Kelly Stables, a recently divorced mother and head of a large parcel-delivery company who embodies the Scrooge archetype. However, unlike the beloved literary miser, Connie lacks any of the charm or nuance that made Ebenezer Scrooge a compelling character.
According to a source close to the production, the script was riddled with issues from the start. “The writing was just abysmal,” the insider revealed. “It felt like they were trying to force this modern Scrooge narrative without really understanding what made the original story resonate with audiences.”
A Nightmare Performance
Kelly Stables, known for her roles in The Haunted Hathaways and Superstore, takes on the lead role of Connie. However, her performance has been universally panned by critics. Reviewer Catherine Bray described Connie as “a complete nightmare, but with none of the panto-villain charm of a proper Scrooge.”
She just constantly complains and is rude to people, while having flashbacks to some who-cares drama of Christmas past. It’s difficult to get invested in whether she will redeem herself – you’re more likely to be sat there praying that the twist of the title is she has some sort of surprise holiday embolism.
Catherine Bray, Film Critic
Even the presence of Sean Astin, beloved for his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, couldn’t save this festive flop. Astin appears in a small role as a board member at Connie’s company, but his talent is utterly wasted in the poorly written part.
Failing to Find the True Meaning of Christmas
As with any good Christmas tale, Holiday Twist attempts to impart a lesson about the true meaning of the holiday. However, the film’s heavy-handed approach and cringeworthy dialogue make the intended message fall flat. When Connie delivers lines like “I think my heart got misguided over time,” audiences are more likely to roll their eyes than feel a tug at their heartstrings.
The plot takes an even more bizarre turn when Connie’s newfound holiday spirit is put to the test by a pair of thieves stealing Christmas presents. In a painfully predictable twist, Connie’s corporate position proves instrumental in saving the day. However, by this point, most viewers will likely have lost any remaining interest in the story.
A Lump of Coal in Your Streaming Queue
In a season filled with beloved holiday classics and charming new additions, Holiday Twist stands out for all the wrong reasons. The film’s abysmal writing, lackluster direction, and cringe-inducing performances make it a strong contender for the worst Christmas movie of 2024, if not all time.
Lest you, gentle reader, mistake any of this for an indication that we’re in so-bad-it’s-good territory. No, we’ve wandered through bad, traversed so-bad-it’s-good, and stumbled, punch drunk, out into the hinterland that lies beyond. Here be monsters.
Catherine Bray, Film Critic
While some may find a perverse joy in hate-watching Holiday Twist, most viewers would be better served by steering clear of this cinematic lump of coal. With so many wonderful holiday films to choose from, both old and new, there’s simply no reason to waste your time on this festive failure.
If you’re in search of a modern take on A Christmas Carol, you’d be better off revisiting classics like Scrooged or A Muppet Christmas Carol. Or, if you’re looking for a new holiday film to enjoy, consider checking out some of the more well-received releases of 2024, such as A Kringle in Time or Mistletoe Miracles.
As for Holiday Twist, it’s a film that’s best left unwatched. Save yourself the time and frustration, and spend your holiday season enjoying the movies that truly capture the magic and joy of Christmas. Trust us, you won’t be missing out on anything by skipping this twisted tale.
