Movie Review: The Perfect Holiday

Okay; so last night (12.5.07), I got a chance to screen the movie Perfect Holiday. I have to say that this year Hollywood has out done itself with the release of two "African -American" holiday films (This Christmas and now Perfect Holiday). With the wide appeal of these two films, perhaps the big studios and world will make "note to self" that positive images of family and love portrayed on the big screen is a formula worth producing. Any who (as I get off my soapbox), the point of this film is not that the main characters are "chocolate hued," but that the story is a classic tale could take place in ANYWHERE, USA/World.

So here's the scoop on the movie:

Perfect Holiday tells the tale of divorced mom Nancy (Gabrielle Union) who is raising her three children, while functioning as everything to everyone except herself. The twist is that her husband is music mogul J. Jeezy (Charlie Murphy) who is so caught up in his life of "bling" that he fails to see the treasures of his own family. J. Jeezy is convinced the world revolves around him and that his "checks" to should compensate for everything. With that premise set, the movie takes us on a voyage (ala Scrooge) as it explores the various dynamics of relationships and the transformative nature of the holidays.

Santa Claus (Morris Chestnut) who works at the Mall to supplement his income (or lack there of) as an office supply salesman and struggling songwriter, becomes the instrument of change for EVERYONE. What sets the wheels of change in motion is one act of UN-SELFISH love. So, with Christmas drawing near, Nancy takes her kids to meet Santa and her youngest daughter Emily (Khail Bryant) decides that all she wants for the holiday is to see her mom happy. Interestingly, the question of happiness does not lay in the "bling" or material comforts that their life affords them, all mom wants is a compliment from a man (without an agenda). The story that is unwrapped once plans are set into motion is a tale that is warm, HILARIOUS and definitely a keeper.

Due out in theaters, December 12, 2007, this movie should be on every TO DO LIST as a way to wrap up a PERFECT HOLIDAY.

Cast: Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Katt Williams, Jill Marie Jones, and Rachel True