The holiday movie 'Oh. What. Fun.' is a disappointing affair, despite its promising premise and stellar cast. But before we dive into the review, let's set the scene. Imagine a mother, played by the iconic Michelle Pfeiffer, who is on the brink of a breakdown during the festive season. Her family, including grown-up children and a supportive yet unhelpful husband, seems oblivious to her struggles. And here's where it gets interesting: Pfeiffer's character, Claire, is fed up with being the sole manager of the household, handling all the cooking, cleaning, and planning without any appreciation.
But here's where it gets controversial: the film, directed by Michael Showalter, fails to capitalize on its intriguing setup. With a runtime of 106 minutes, the movie rushes through its narrative, leaving little room for the talented cast to shine. The characters, including Danielle Brooks, Joan Chen, Maude Apatow, Rose Abdoo, and Eva Longoria, are reduced to one-dimensional roles, each assigned a single issue or flaw. The potential for a heartwarming and hilarious journey is squandered as the film opts for a generic and uninspired approach.
The story begins with Claire at a low point, preaching to children about appreciating their mother. But the film quickly undermines her by having her apologize for her outburst, setting a tone that feels out of touch. Claire's desire for a movie about the true heroes of the holidays, the moms, is relatable, but the execution falls flat. The director seems hesitant to fully embrace the comedic premise, resulting in a missed opportunity for a delightful family comedy.
The film attempts to mirror the classic 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' with a road trip storyline, but it lacks the charm and chemistry of its predecessor. The characters' relationships feel forced and underdeveloped, leaving the audience craving more depth. And while the movie touches on a trend of on-screen mothers facing extreme challenges, it fails to offer a satisfying or unique take on the theme.
In conclusion, 'Oh. What. Fun.' is a forgettable holiday flick that could have been so much more. With a talented cast and a premise ripe for exploration, it's a shame the film doesn't deliver. It's as if the filmmakers settled for a hastily written script, leaving viewers wanting more. So, is this movie worth your time? Perhaps not, but it might spark an interesting discussion on the portrayal of mothers in cinema and the potential for more nuanced storytelling.
