studioAT
Your enjoyment of this film will more than likely come down to three things:1) Whether you think Arnie can do comedy.
2) Whether you find Sinbad funny.
3) Whether you think comedy violence is funny.If your answer to those three questions is yes then I'm sure you'll love this Christmas film.For me though it was a decent idea stretched to breaking point, with lots of silly scenes, almost sketches, pieced together.Arnie does his best, but the constant need to turn this seemingly nice guy into a violent one for no real reason was silly. Phil Hartman has all the best lines here, and sadly I didn't find Sinbad remotely funny, which is a shame because I've liked him elsewhere.It's an acceptable enough Christmas film, but you'd really have to be in the festive mood.
digitalbeachbum
When comparing terrible holiday movies, this isn't the worst one, but it does suck quite a bit. There are a handful of funny scenes but they have no replay value. Too many of these scenes are contrived and lacking in chemistry between the characters.The funniest scene is when the characters are in the mall looking for that one item which no one seems to find because the factory didn't make enough to keep up with the demand. Diving around trying to get the ball so you could have a chance at the special toy is priceless.The counterfeit factory scene with all the elves/dwarfs is also gives some laughs. It is silly, but there is a mix of typical Arnold humor giving you that feel of some of his other action movies with a holiday twist.Overall it isn't a great movie, but good enough that your kids will like it.
Danii Disaster
Perhaps I was reading too much into it, but I spotted some uncommon themes, and, perhaps, hidden messages in this movie. 1. Kids are ungrateful. 2. Kids are brainwashed. 3. The grass is always greener in the neighbour's garden. 4. It's always all about money. If you work a lot to provide a good living for your family, they will complain that you don't spend enough time with them. If you spend a lot of time with them, but don't make enough money, you will be blamed for your inability to provide good quality of life. You can never win. Kids only want acceptance from their peers. They are sheep and followers. If you don't get "the" toy (or, in this day and age, - "the" gadget), you are destined to be an outcast. Why is it this way? Subtle brainwashing by merchants that's been going on since the beginning of times."I wish my Dad was more like yours". Yeah, the grass is always greener in the neighbour's yard. If he really had *that* guy for a Dad, I bet he'd be saying he wished some other guy was his Dad. People rarely appreciate what they have. So, the kid is *real* p***ed at his Dad for missing his karate class, and keeps bitching that he doesn't spend enough time with him. But as soon as you promise to *BUY* him something, all is well again. Conclusion? Anything can be fixed with money. You're a good parent as long as you have money to *BUY* stuff. And... did it bother anyone else that Arnie's character used the situation he found himself in to select his own son as the winner of the special edition toy? Another observation: if given choice, people will inevitably do what is beneficial to *them* (even if it harms others), instead of what is fair or morally correct. Like I said, maybe I'm reading too much into it, or, perhaps, the movie does, indeed, have a deeper meaning. Whatever the case may be, I did like it, and if you don't try to over-analyze it (like I did), you will be able to enjoy it for what it is - a light-hearted comedy.
kloppsdogistics
I didn't find anything worth laughing in the movie!it was completely boring,they had stretched the story for an hour and 30 minutes,with most of the time Howard roaming around to buy the action figure!The essence of a Christmas movies was lost,they have tried to come up with comedy,but it turned out to be really a bore.They could have come up with much more heart touching material,rather than a chase for a dumb toy.The role of Myron(played by Sinbad) wasn't pleasing,there was lack of humanity,it was cheap in a way.There was way too much exposure of low budget jokes!In a way it all seemed kiddish and annoying to watch.Well its an old movie cant complain more,its 2016,hopefully there wont be another Christmas movie like this to ruin the holiday!!
AD
