Four Christmases

Name: Four Christmases
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: November 26, 2008
Duration: 88 min
Rating: 41
Cast: Mary Steenburgen, Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn

2008

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 27 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 217 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 217 Ratings

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Four Christmases

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Movie Details & Credits

New Line Cinema | Release Date: November 26, 2008 | PG-13

Starring: Mary Steenburgen, Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn

Summary: No one enjoys the holidays more than Brad and Kate. Every December 25th, this happily unmarried, upscale San Francisco couple embark on a holiday tradition they have shared every year since they met—ditching their crazy families for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in some sunny exotic locale. But not this year. Shorts and sunglassesNo one enjoys the holidays more than Brad and Kate. Every December 25th, this happily unmarried, upscale San Francisco couple embark on a holiday tradition they have shared every year since they met—ditching their crazy families for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in some sunny exotic locale. But not this year. Shorts and sunglasses packed, Brad and Kate are trapped at the San Francisco airport by a fogbank that cancels every outbound flight. Worse yet, they are caught on camera by a local news crew, revealing their whereabouts to the whole city…and to their families. With no escape and no excuses, they are now expected home by Brad’s father. And Kate’s mother. And Brad’s mother. And Kate’s father. Four Christmases in one day. (New Line Cinema)… Expand

Director: Seth Gordon

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 88 min

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Critic Reviews

Chris Kaltenbach

Four Christmases works because of some genuinely funny setups, a pace that never dwells on one gag (or even one family) too long and a careful mix of slapstick and bawdy humor. But mostly, the film works because of the astonishing acting talent the filmmakers brought together to make it. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Gordon's best not-so-secret weapons, though, are his two stars: Vaughn and Witherspoon are an inspired pairing, not least because they're such a mismatched set of salt-and-pepper shakers. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Four Christmases is waste of time and a disappointment, but it's also relatively painless. Read full review

Scott Tobias

The result is two bad movies in one: a gimmicky romantic comedy, and one of those seasonal headaches that submits loud family dysfunction as a vehicle for Christmas cheer. Read full review

Rick Kisonak

To put it in the best light possible, I recommend thinking of Four Christmases not so much as a really short movie but as a very special holiday episode of a sitcom. Read full review

Kirk Honeycutt

Bad enough to create one of the most joyless Christmas movies ever, but then to go for an unearned feel-good ending adds insult to injury. Read full review

Robert Wilonsky

The movie doesn't offer a single surprise within its scant 82 minutes, which feel like at least twice that. Read full review

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User Reviews

RefinedInsights

Jul 30, 2023

If you're on the hunt for a hilarious holiday treat, look no further than "Four Christmases"! This gem of a Christmas movie had me cracking up from start to finish, and the main reason for that was none other than the comedic genius, Vince Vaughn. His performance was so side-splittinglyIf you're on the hunt for a hilarious holiday treat, look no further than "Four Christmases"! This gem of a Christmas movie had me cracking up from start to finish, and the main reason for that was none other than the comedic genius, Vince Vaughn. His performance was so side-splittingly funny that I couldn't help but laugh my jingle bells off!

But let's not forget the cherry on top of this Christmas cake - the undeniable chemistry between Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. Their on-screen dynamic was like a present from Santa himself; it sparkled with wit, charm, and a whole lot of laughter. They truly made this movie a standout with their unique and playful interactions.

Now, here's the puzzler - why on earth did the critics decide to be Grinches about "Four Christmases"? I mean, I strolled into the theater with zero expectations, thinking it might just be another run-of-the-mill holiday flick. But boy, was I wrong! I came out feeling like I'd struck gold, and I couldn't wait to add this newfound classic to my beloved Christmas collection.

As a 90s kid who grew up watching "Home Alone" on repeat, I yearned to recapture that magical Christmas spirit as an adult. Lo and behold, "Four Christmases" and "Christmas Vacation" were the two films that succeeded in doing just that! They whisked me away on a sleigh ride of laughter and nostalgia, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to reignite that festive flame.

What sets "Four Christmases" apart is its oddly realistic and relatable scenarios. Let's face it, we've all experienced those crazy family gatherings during the holidays. The movie taps into the chaos, the love, and the quirks that come with spending Christmas with your loved ones. It felt like a true-to-life snapshot of the holiday season, and that authenticity made it all the more enjoyable.

A major kudos goes to the filmmakers for their fantastic casting choices. Every character felt like a present perfectly wrapped and tied with a bow. The ensemble cast delivered a sleigh-load of laughs, ensuring that every scene was brimming with merriment.

And speaking of laughs, oh my, the humor in "Four Christmases" is not just laugh-out-loud; it's "piss yourself" funny! I can be a tough nut to crack when it comes to comedies, but this one had me in stitches. It's packed with wit, clever one-liners, and situational comedy that hits the mark every time.

In a nutshell, "Four Christmases" is a bona fide classic in my book. It's a joyful ride that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, like a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace. So, if you're in dire need of some hearty laughs and a good dose of holiday cheer, grab your popcorn, gather your loved ones, and let "Four Christmases" work its merry magic on you. Santa-approved and highly recommended!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Kadeemluvmusic

Oct 20, 2013

I'm a big fan of both Witherspoon and Vaughn together onscreen and I definitely love Four Christmases. It was charming, very funny, much more different than any classic holiday movie like "Jingle All The Way" or "Elf." But if I spend my four christmases together when Thanksgiving is overI'm a big fan of both Witherspoon and Vaughn together onscreen and I definitely love Four Christmases. It was charming, very funny, much more different than any classic holiday movie like "Jingle All The Way" or "Elf." But if I spend my four christmases together when Thanksgiving is over maybe it's the best time to unwrap presents early.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

IanA.

Dec 30, 2008

I went with caution as most of the critics didn't really care for this movie but I have to say I thought it was really enjoyable. I thought Vaughn and Witherspoon were terrific together and I actually laughed out loud several times. It didn't deteriorate into the syrupy feel good I went with caution as most of the critics didn't really care for this movie but I have to say I thought it was really enjoyable. I thought Vaughn and Witherspoon were terrific together and I actually laughed out loud several times. It didn't deteriorate into the syrupy feel good crap either ... thank goodness. I honestly don't see why it received such bad reviews.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

DebbieM.

Dec 1, 2008

This movie seemed like it would be cute for adults but there is a lot of adult sexual scenes and content. I had my 13 and 12 year old with me and we had to leave the movie about 50 min. into it as it was way too inappropriate. And that was after letting about 4-5 sexual comments, etc. This movie seemed like it would be cute for adults but there is a lot of adult sexual scenes and content. I had my 13 and 12 year old with me and we had to leave the movie about 50 min. into it as it was way too inappropriate. And that was after letting about 4-5 sexual comments, etc. slide. Their is also a Santa spoiler so parents beware on this one. It's sad to me that this is what the movie industry feels is appropriate for 13 year olds.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

RayzorMoose

Nov 13, 2013

Four Christmases.
A very unoriginal concept with very poor writing. The laughs are prevalent but not amazing, and the characters are over the top and unbelievable.

0 of 26 users found this helpful026

Trev29

Sep 2, 2012

This movie sucked. There was nothing good about it. I actually fell asleep because it was that terrible. How does this even pass as a Christmas movie. Disappointed.

0 of 27 users found this helpful027

Rick

Nov 26, 2008

This movie is so bad that you will feel you're degrading yourself if you haven't walked out of the theater before an hour has passed. If this is what passes for holiday fare these days, we should feel no loss if Babylon should be destroyed in the next earthquake/mudslide/firestorm.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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