A mom's holiday nightmare: 'Oh. What. Fun.' - A movie that misses the mark.
A Christmas tale gone awry.
Imagine a mom, played by the talented Michelle Pfeiffer, on the brink during the festive season. The new movie, 'Oh. What. Fun.', promises a glimpse into her chaotic world, but delivers something quite different.
Claire, our protagonist, is surrounded by unappreciative grown children and a supportive yet unhelpful husband. She's the sole operator, tirelessly managing the family's holiday cheer with constant, thankless tasks. But after a particularly heartless oversight, she snaps and decides to take a break, escaping her suburban prison.
A Cast of Talent, a Story of Mediocrity
Despite an impressive cast, including Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, and a host of other talented actors, the movie opts for a generic narrative. Streaming on Prime Video, it begins with a low point for Claire, a stay-at-home mom, as she delivers a morbid message to some children at a gas station. This sets the tone for a movie that seems to apologize for its lead character's every action.
Missing the Mark on Holiday Heroism
Claire laments the lack of holiday movies celebrating moms, and while her intentions are noble, the movie falls short. Director Michael Showalter co-wrote the script, but the result is a film that feels embarrassed by its own premise. The cast is reduced to one-dimensional characters, each with a tidy problem, lacking any real familial connection.
Channing, the oldest, is married to Doug, who desperately seeks approval from her younger sister Taylor. The youngest, Sessa, is underemployed and recently dumped. And the grandchildren? Non-existent.
A Road Trip Gone Wrong
Claire's breaking point comes when she realizes her family has left her behind for an event she planned. Instead of joining them, she embarks on a solo journey to meet her favorite talk show host, Zazzy Tims. Showalter attempts a 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' vibe, but it falls flat, with Claire sharing a motel room with a delivery driver, played by Danielle Brooks.
Wasted Talent, Missed Opportunities
The restrained use of talented actors like Jason Schwartzman and Joan Chen is a missed opportunity. Chen's character, a 'perfect' neighbor with all-white Christmas decorations, feels like a one-joke role.
A Cinematic Reflection of Motherhood?
'Oh. What. Fun.' taps into a cinematic trend of portraying mothers on the edge. From Jennifer Lawrence's feral performance in 'Die My Love' to Jessie Buckley's primal agony in 'Hamnet', mothers are depicted in freefall. Even lighter versions, like 'One Battle After Another', offer comedic relief.
A Thoughtless Gesture?
If this movie was intended as a tribute to moms, it falls short. It's like receiving a hastily scribbled birthday card on printer paper. We deserve better.
Final Thoughts
'Oh. What. Fun.' is rated PG-13 and streams on Amazon MGM Studios from Dec. 3. It's a forgettable holiday film that fails to deliver on its promise. A disappointing 2 stars out of 4.
