What’s It About
A man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Eddie Murphy’s new Christmas film, Candy Cane Lane, is much like the new Holiday films being produced lately, using updated vernacular and sight gags that only a fifth grader could love. The story revolves around Chris (Murphy) and his family facing financial and personal challenges. In an attempt to win a $100,000 decorating contest, Chris puts in a tremendous effort, but his daughter Holly believes his hand-carved decorations should be enough. So when Chris got laid off from his job, he and his daughter stumbled upon a peculiar Christmas shop under a freeway, and things turned wild. Chris buys numerous lights and an extravagant, unique giant wooden Christmas tree representing “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The shop’s unsettling owner, Pepper, convinces Chris to sign a hefty receipt, ignoring the fine print. The catch: Chris must complete a task assigned by Pepper before 8 PM on Christmas Eve, or he’ll be transformed into a tiny ceramic ornament in her shop. While the film initially focuses on the Carver family’s subplots, it eventually dives into an unbelievable and eccentric Christmas experience. The movie becomes a tastefully bizarre family film. The Carver’s home becomes a surreal scene with swans in the pool, geese laying eggs from the sky, and French hens in stereotypical attire. The film also features pipers, drummers, and birds making prank calls. Despite some oddities, like a subplot with cable news anchors that doesn’t quite work, Eddie Murphy shines throughout the film. His performance brings a mix of soulful sadness, lovely chemistry with co-star Tracee Ellis Ross, and signature charm during the more absurd moments. While it may not be his most outstanding work, Murphy delivers a solid and enjoyable performance. In conclusion, “Candy Cane Lane” is a frantic, family-friendly film, packed like a Christmas stocking, eccentric as a chestnut, and ultimately as heartwarming as an open fire.
OUR RATING – A GRIMM 7