In a year filled with holiday movie releases, Netflix’s latest offering, “That Christmas,” seems poised to win hearts with its all-star cast and heartwarming premise. However, despite the combined talents of writer Richard Curtis and voice actor Brian Cox, this animated adaptation of Curtis’ bestselling children’s book series fails to deliver the magic and laughter audiences crave.
A Blizzard of Clichés
Set in the picturesque seaside village of Wellington-on-Sea, “That Christmas” follows a group of families as they navigate a holiday crisis brought on by a paralyzing blizzard. While the setup promises cozy charm and whimsical adventures, the film quickly becomes bogged down in tired tropes and saccharine sentimentality.
From the lonely boy yearning for his divorced father to the headstrong girl taking charge of a kids-only Christmas, every character feels like a recycled caricature from Curtis’ past works. The film even includes a self-referential nod to “Love Actually,” but rather than feeling clever, it only highlights the lack of originality on display.
Jokes Fall Flat
Perhaps the biggest disappointment in “That Christmas” is its surprising dearth of humor. Curtis, known for his razor-sharp wit and memorable one-liners, seems to have lost his comedic touch here. The jokes are few and far between, with most falling flat or veering into cringe-worthy territory.
“We surely needed a higher joke content,” laments film critic Peter Bradshaw in his review for The Guardian. “That Christmas is more or less sufferable, and it may well keep young children quiet … but it’s short on ho-ho-hos.”
Even the usually brilliant Brian Cox, who voices Santa Claus, can’t save the lackluster script. His booming baritone is wasted on bland platitudes and groan-worthy gags, leaving audiences yearning for the biting sarcasm of his Succession character.
A Sugary Overdose
While heartwarming moments are a staple of holiday films, “That Christmas” lays the sentiment on far too thick. Every emotional beat is telegraphed miles in advance, and the resolutions are so tidy they feel utterly contrived. By the time the final act rolls around, viewers may find themselves in sugar shock.
The film’s saving grace is its animation, which beautifully renders the quaint seaside setting and captures the chaos of the blizzard. However, even these visual delights can’t fully compensate for the weak storytelling and absence of genuine laughs.
A Lump of Coal in Netflix’s Stocking
In a crowded field of holiday streaming options, “That Christmas” struggles to justify its existence. Fans of Richard Curtis’ previous work may find themselves disillusioned by this lackluster effort, while newcomers are unlikely to understand the fuss surrounding his celebrated filmography.
As Bradshaw puts it: “Paddington and Wallace & Gromit have raised the bar very high for family comedies … That Christmas doesn’t clear it.” Unfortunately for Netflix, this animated misstep is more likely to end up on the naughty list than become a beloved holiday classic.
From the lonely boy yearning for his divorced father to the headstrong girl taking charge of a kids-only Christmas, every character feels like a recycled caricature from Curtis’ past works. The film even includes a self-referential nod to “Love Actually,” but rather than feeling clever, it only highlights the lack of originality on display.
Jokes Fall Flat
Perhaps the biggest disappointment in “That Christmas” is its surprising dearth of humor. Curtis, known for his razor-sharp wit and memorable one-liners, seems to have lost his comedic touch here. The jokes are few and far between, with most falling flat or veering into cringe-worthy territory.
“We surely needed a higher joke content,” laments film critic Peter Bradshaw in his review for The Guardian. “That Christmas is more or less sufferable, and it may well keep young children quiet … but it’s short on ho-ho-hos.”
Even the usually brilliant Brian Cox, who voices Santa Claus, can’t save the lackluster script. His booming baritone is wasted on bland platitudes and groan-worthy gags, leaving audiences yearning for the biting sarcasm of his Succession character.
A Sugary Overdose
While heartwarming moments are a staple of holiday films, “That Christmas” lays the sentiment on far too thick. Every emotional beat is telegraphed miles in advance, and the resolutions are so tidy they feel utterly contrived. By the time the final act rolls around, viewers may find themselves in sugar shock.
The film’s saving grace is its animation, which beautifully renders the quaint seaside setting and captures the chaos of the blizzard. However, even these visual delights can’t fully compensate for the weak storytelling and absence of genuine laughs.
A Lump of Coal in Netflix’s Stocking
In a crowded field of holiday streaming options, “That Christmas” struggles to justify its existence. Fans of Richard Curtis’ previous work may find themselves disillusioned by this lackluster effort, while newcomers are unlikely to understand the fuss surrounding his celebrated filmography.
As Bradshaw puts it: “Paddington and Wallace & Gromit have raised the bar very high for family comedies … That Christmas doesn’t clear it.” Unfortunately for Netflix, this animated misstep is more likely to end up on the naughty list than become a beloved holiday classic.
