Iffy for 13+
Family holiday dramedy has some iffy content.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this holiday-themed dramedy includes some mild jokes about sex and drinking, as well as some questionable behavior. The movie's focus is on the bonds among adult siblings and their long-suffering, sometimes narrow-minded mother. Sexual content includes kissing, staying overnight with a new boyfriend, flirting, and cheating. On the violence side, thugs beat up a man who owes them money, and guns are used threateningly in a few scenes. Language includes "s--t," "damn," and "hell." One character smokes several times; characters also drink in bars and during family conflicts.
- Families can talk about how movies tend to portray family holiday gatherings. Do you think the frequent tension and conflict (even when played for laughs) is realistic? What are holiday celebrations like in your family? Why do you think the characters in the movie so often resort to lying and keeping secrets? Does it help solve any of their problems?
The good stuff
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Messages: Family tensions related to ongoing competition and resentments; cheating husband; people scheme to gain access to family property; minor and major lies, arguments, and disloyalties; eventual reconciliations.
What to watch for
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Violence: Mild, comic, and insinuated. Quentin is chased by two thugs and jumps off a fire escape. At a bar, Claude pulls out a gun to threaten a bully, causing a panic; he's later arrested by military police. Thugs catch up with Q and punch him, hard, repeatedly. Lisa and Kelli fight in the rain (pushing and hitting). Woman drives her cheating husband's car off a waterway. Joe threatens thugs with a gun; they back off. Wife hits cheating husband with a belt (he slips on an oil-covered floor; the scene seems comic, but it's tense, too).
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Sex: Lisa wears just bra and panties, hoping to seduce her husband. Occasional cleavage displays. Some romantic kissing between couples. Kelli has a vibrator, which her mother acknowledges. Mel and boyfriend hide in closet to kiss and initiate sex (nothing explicit). At a bar, Q and Claude discuss "hotties." After flirting at a bar, Kelli goes home with Gerald and sneaks home the next morning. Talk of protection, jokes revolving around the word "ho." Some secret relationships and cheating. Husband shown in hotel room with lover (nothing explicit; she kisses him). Malcolm emerges from shower with towel. Vaguely sexy/comic dancing under end credits.
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Language: Language includes occasional uses of "s--t," "damn," "hell," "ass," "bitch slap," and "son of a bitch."
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Consumerism: No kid-oriented fare, but lots of products, both named and pictured: Nikon camera, Rolls Royce, Cadillac Escalade, BMW, Canada Dry ginger ale, Rolling Rock beer, Harley Davidson, Jeep Cherokee, Staples Center.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Quentin smokes cigarettes in several scenes; various characters drink (wine, beer, liquor) in several scenes, both at bars and at home. A couple of comic conversations about drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
this Christmas by anneishab
I liked the movie. It was a great movie to take the family. I enjoyed seeing african american actors in something besides a movies with drugs, sex, and violence. I would recommend and already have the movie to everyone I know.
4
Review not comment by armyjeep
I'm so tired of people who put reviews in here when all they say is, the movie will be good, or I like Chris Brown. It's a review! Go see the movie and THEN give your comments. That's what this is for to help others. I went to see this based on all the "Must Go" comments. I say go see it. But it was not the best movie of the year or one of the movies I'd pay to see 2 or 3 times. Yes, it's good and entertaining, and the cast was excellent. If you get a chance to see it, do go, but it will be a DVD favorite at the Holiday season for sure.
5
A Family affair by lionsshare2
Very well done, took my family to see this wonderful, funny, at times touching movie about a black family not much unlike my own. Every family has it's ups & downs, however to see finally see Black folk in a positive movie, no gangs, no killing, none of the negetives usually portrayed in the media. I hope to see more films like this one year round, because family is an all year event. Everyone should go enjoy this film, because there's something for everyone in it, no matter what your persuasion. In a word - MORE.
Keep it coming
5
Got to See this Movie by kfocht
I would definitely recommend seeing this movie. It is funny, heartwarming, entertaining, and engaging. I thought this movie might use the same old formula that you see at Christmastime, and to some extent, that is true. However, all of the actors seem perfectly suited for their roles. The characters are well enough developed that you can really relate to them and their positions life. You almost want to be a part of this family. I found myself laughing most of the time, and at the end, wanting to get up & dance with them! In fact, there were a few people that danced their way out of the theater!!! When we left, we both had smiles on our faces.
5
The life of a black family by ladypurple52
This movie was everything they said it would be. I laughed, cried and laughed again.
The cast was awsome, and Chris Brown's singing was impecable. I will be buying the sountrack and the DVD.
5
yes yes yes.... by surferchick909
This movie was great! There was nothing wrong with it. Chris Brown was awesome!! This Christmas was hilarious and i dont think it could have gotten any better. This is a must see movie!!!!
5
Excellent by tarheelstrio
A must see - great cast - excellent movie; I definitely recommend this movie....I can't wait for the DVD.
5
Holiday spirit by Baboushka
If you missed out on the holiday spirit or you experienced wonderful holiday spirit that you'd like to see extended then this is the movie for you. You won't regret it.
5
Greatttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!! by taffymom
My daughter, 2 granddaughters and I loved this movie and have recommended it to everyone we know, including those folks live out of the state of Maryland.
Chris Brown was magnificant. Loretta Divine and the other stars did a wonderful job.
We saw this movie a week ago and we are still talking about.
"This Cristmas" again was magnificant.
5
Go See it! by nvarella`
Very Good movie! Worth seeing and taking your children to see. A movie that shows positive images of a black family versus the stereotypical drug dealer or street thug. Well done. Can't wait for This Christmas Part 2 or maybe a mini-series like Soul Food.