Why 'Christmas Eve' Deserves the Title of Worst Christmas Movie Ever

Christmas movies aren't much more than a guilty pleasure, but the few that manage to disappoint can completely ruin the holiday spirit. One such example is Christmas Eve, which is so poorly executed that it barely qualifies as a Christmas movie. In this review, we'll dive into why it deserves the title of the worst Christmas movie ever and explore the numerous issues that plague this film.

Introduction to 'Christmas Eve'

Based on a John Grisham novel, 'Christmas Eve' was an ambitious attempt to create a blockbuster holiday film. Unfortunately, it stumbled in every possible aspect, failing to make any meaningful impact on its audience. Despite its star-studded cast and intriguing premise, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Poor Writing and Direction

Typically, Christmas movies are critiqued for their low production values and bizarre plots. 'Christmas Eve' falls right into this category. The script is riddled with holes and inconsistencies, making it difficult to invest in the narrative. For instance, the power outage that strikes the entire city inexplicably affects only the elevators while leaving everything else functioning. This plot point is so ridiculous that it becomes a running gag rather than a plot element.

Disappointing Ensemble Cast

'Christmas Eve' attempts to form a large ensemble cast, similar to films like 'Love Actually' and 'New Year's Eve,' but fails miserably. The characters are one-dimensional and lack any significant interactions. Patrick Stewart, who stars as a stuck-in-an-elevator Scrooge, seems like an afterthought. His scenes feel out of place and were likely an afterthought. Even the actors with more prominent roles struggle to bring depth to their characters, contributing to the overall lackluster performances.

Lack of Humor and Christmas Spirit

'Christmas Eve' is not even a decent comedy, despite its title. The attempts at humor fall flat, and the movie fails to capture any sense of the holiday spirit. The religious message is forced into the narrative with heavy-handedness, reminiscent of a crowbar. Characters in elevators become estranged, forming no meaningful relationships, and the plot delays any semblance of a happy ending. The only touching moment involves a museum curator's speech on art, but it is brief and irrelevant.

Reshoots and Last-Minute Changes

Worse still, the film's production process was marred by numerous reshoots and last-minute changes. Patrick Stewart was reportedly cast a couple of weeks into filming, leading to scenes that feel disjointed and out of place. This further contributes to the film's chaotic and unpolished nature. For instance, a subplot involving a genius character and his former boss could have been entertaining if developed properly, but the rushed conclusion only adds to the confusion.

The Climax and Conclusion

The climax of 'Christmas Eve' is one of the most disappointing and poorly executed in recent memory. The elevator situation that drives the plot becomes a convoluted mess of forced connections and unresolved storylines. The final scene, featuring two strangers on a park bench, further drives home the film's lack of direction and focus. It's as festive as a snowy park bench beside a crime scene, a fitting metaphor for the movie's overall lack of holiday spirit.

Conclusion

While there may be a few cult followings for extremely bad movies, 'Christmas Eve' doesn't even earn that label. It is a testament to how poorly-made a film can be, yet still receive airtime. If you're looking for a truly awful Christmas movie, 'Christmas Eve' would make for an excellent choice, but only if you enjoy watching something cringe-worthy and poorly executed. It's a stark reminder of why good writing, compelling characters, and a well-thought-out plot are essential in any movie, and why 'Christmas Eve' is the epitome of a failing film.