See You Next Christmas

source: See You Next Christmas

Watching See You Next Christmas catapulted me into the feeling of a warm, honest family tradition at the holidays. I loved the way this community of characters celebrates each year through all the many and massive changes in their lives. It doesn't shy away from the real, awkward scenarios that can present themselves during times of holiday stress. The close knit relationships definitely go through some realistic conflict, and the portrayal of strangers at a party definitely reminded me of some I've attended myself. The characters are fun, nuanced, and compelling, and the movie breathes a refreshing air of authenticity I want to see again next Christmas.

Watched a fine gem of a holiday film on Prime-See You Next Christmas. It's a well written/directed engaging romantic comedy that is effectively low key and high on charm. In the film, we meet Annie (Christine Weatherup, who also wrote the screenplay and directs with a sure hand!) and Tom Clark who throw a "Clarkmas" holiday party each year. When two single guests Natalie and Logan create some sparks at the film's initial first party, it becomes a "will they or will they not" hook up as we see them meet year after year at the annual Clarkmas party. Weatherup sets this up this creative device effectively and with a witty script and help of a strong ensemble cast. Weathrup and Vin Vescio are terrfic as our anchor couple the Clarks. They are very engaging and down to earth-the type of friends anyone could wish for to hold an annual Christmas party. It's also wise Weatherup allows us to get to know these two as we witness each Christmas event enfold. And Elizabeth Guest (niece of Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis) and AJ Meijer are a dynamo here as our off on couple. They have strong chemistry/sexual tension that makes us root for them. Guest is a fine combination of insecurity/and humorous vulnerability and Meier allows us to see angst/desperation behind his machismo. What really makes this soar is we get to know these characters over the course of several years-as lives changes, families grow and who knows- singles can become a couple. Due to the fine direction/screenplay and ensemble, we care and look forward to seeing what happens at the next Clarkmas party. This is one of the best indies I've seen in a while and an all too rare terrific romantic comedy.

We loved See You Next Christmas! It was like a breath of fresh air take on the sappy, overly predictable holiday movies. Elizabeth Guest gave an engaging performance. She inspires a connection from the very beginning. You can relate to the awkward moments and immediately start to cheer her on. I hope to see her in more things in the future. The flaws were typical of indie films with a very lean budget. It didn't distract from the charm of the movie. They did a great job of creating quirky characters, that, let's face it we all have in our friend group. Hot chocolate with marshmallows anyone? Get cozy and enjoy this addition to your annual list of holiday movies!