Growing up, the holidays were something that almost everyone looked forward to celebrating. As we get older, however, we begin to see a different side to the holidays that is not as great. “Almost Christmas” focuses on what it is like to try and survive the holidays when your family is around through a comedic lens.

The movie is set after the main character Walter, played by Danny Glover, who hosts his first family get together after the passing of his beloved wife. All of his children come home to help prepare a Thanksgiving feast, but the festivities are put at risk several times as the family struggles to put their differences aside and get along for five days.

I personally liked this movie. Like several other people, I grew up coming from a family that always has at least one fight every holiday. Becoming an adult is a crazy ride, as you grow up you become more aware about the world around you, this includes family. Family is great to have, but the way most feel about the holidays now versus during childhood is very different. It is relatable how hard it can be to put aside differences and get along just for the sake of the family. “Almost Christmas” seems to perfectly demonstrate that.

I also enjoyed how many layers were in this film. Yes it is a film about going home for Thanksgiving, but it also covers so many more themes. The characters in the film struggled with problems from drug abuse all the way to sibling rivalry. It was really impressive that the people who put in the work to create this were able to cover such serious topics but still keep the audience laughing and in a light-hearted mood.

There was not much that I did not like about the film. I think the only thing that I did not care too much for was the depiction of the children with their phones. They were always on them texting and taping the family drama that went on to post online. I know that this was meant to be funny, and I honestly still laughed during most of these scenes. I just think that I was bothered by the fact that for so many of us, our lives on our technology now instead of just unplugging and enjoying the moment. Youth is very precious and it is one of those things you do not realize you have until it is gone.

Should you see this movie? Maybe.

This is a great film. It was so funny. However, if you are strapped on cash I think this is a film that can be skipped until being released on different platforms. It broke the cliche holiday movie styles and left you with a warm feeling. That being said, it was not anything that was so significant that labeled the film as a must see. If you do not have plans for the holidays or just want to go do something fun with your relatives, I highly recommend giving this film a chance.