Surviving Christmas - Movie Review

Christmas past is long forgotten as Drew entices a perfectly appearing family to become his family for Christmas and since this unarmed family happens to live in his childhood home, they slowly become a perfect fit.

Christina Applegate is the perfect match for Drew as he thinks he has the upper hand flashing his money around, She is his stumbling block that spurs him on even more. Catherine O'Hara the infamous Mom in the Home Alone movies is the perfect mom for this family epic. She is hilarious and demonstrates tough yet tender motherly support.

Surviving Christmas did not gain much attention in 2004 that I can remember, but with so many Christmas movies this one got left behind in my book. I am partial to Ben Affleck. He comes across so perfectly as an extravagant, eccentric millionaire ....that right there should grab your attention.

I was browsing my Blockbuster Christmas recommendations and Surviving Christmas sounded funny. It is definitely funny. It starts out by Drew hugging the tree in the front yard of his childhood home in 2 feet of snow. He pays the cab driver $100. For a $72.50 fare. He says "keep the meter running." He's spotted by the home owner and soon finds himself knocked silly by a snow shovel.

Blockbusters only gave Surviving Christmas a 3 star rating, but call me a softie I give it 5 stars. I am easy to please though and love a good comedy. This PG13 Romantic/Comedy fits the whole family, there are maybe a couple risqué scenes with mom's makeover, but it is still hilarious. No nudity.

The clapper Christmas tree implodes with a grossly-magnificent display of everything imaginable that could adorn an 8ft Christmas tree in the living room, all Drew's doings.

Ben/Drew is brave, sensitive and a very fun guy. He is so alive and loves to be with people. He is spontaneous and very generous. Yes he is a millionaire so your imagination can go wild as you think of what kind of gifts he lavishes. I'd adopt him right now. What a cutie, lovable, yet very sad at times. He does owe this family $250,000 as promised. He is soon cared for and loved. I loved this movie.
Sources: Blockbuster.com, personal knowledge and experience