2019 * Not Rated * 1h 39m The Holidays are all about family and friends, tradition, nostalgia, and memories. This film delivers all that in spades. It’s set in the 1970’s in a small town in coal country, and involves a sprawling Italian-American family and their friends. As the narrator informs us, preparing the food for Christmas Eve is a major event, and involves the cooking of seven fishes—which would be better described as “The Feast of the Seven Sea Creatures” since it includes shrimp, squid, eel, and oysters—but that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.
You’ve no doubt seen the older generation of actors here in supporting roles before. They all do a wonderful job. The impressive cast of younger actors include Skylar Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Jess Darrow, Addison Timlin, and Josh Helman, who I can guarantee, you’ll be seeing a lot more of in the very near future. The movie involves the Italian uncles as they cook the various dishes, leading up to the big feast. It also centers around young Tony (Gisondo), an aspiring artist and his exploits. After breaking up with his childhood sweetheart, he’s set up on a blind date with Beth (Iseman). Unlike Tony, she comes from money and is looking for a bit of fun while her rich boyfriend is on a ski trip in Europe.
The story jumps back and forth between madcap cooking scenes, and the slowly evolving romance with Tony and Beth--sort of a “Romeo and Juliette” if you will. It all makes for a very entertaining story. I have to say, this is not your typical, mindless Christmas movie. It’s a well written, involving, and heartfelt film that will definitely put you in the holiday mood. I just wish they’d make more movies like this!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Tubi. Also on Netflix, Peacock, Plex, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
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