Happy Christmas (2014): Christmas

December 12, 2016

Okay, so I'm going to preface this by stating that I really enjoy Joe Swanburg's films, but I know that mumblecore is not for everyone. Plus I adore Anna Kendrick so it's a win-win. So this movie is about Jenny, an irresponsible woman in her 20's who moves in with her brother and his wife. She's trying to get established, but has trouble behaving like an adult, much to the dismay of her sister-in-law. Meanwhile her sister-in-law is struggling to write a second novel and looks to Jenny for help. So like most mumblecore movies, this movie doesn't have a real script. There's a direction that the story has to go, but the actors have to improvise the dialogue to get it there. I especially like this in this film in particular because it really does feel like a realistic visit home for the holidays. It's kind of slow and awkward, there's quiet and loud moments, but it's enjoyable. So I know this isn't one for everyone, but it's a must-watch for me every year.

Netflix available? Yes

Hulu available? No

Xfinity available? Yes, for a fee

Holiday rating: 7 Christmas trees