Spoiler Alert
In order to get my holiday mojo going, I caved and finally watched the Christmas comedy Candy Cane Lane. This movie starring Eddie Murphy has a few moments to like, but it’s ultimately the supporting cast that gives this film character.
Also, I noticed this superstar’s reserved movies about family togetherness have a common plot. When someone has difficulty with him as the father-figure, he’ll have to do his best to the clan together. Here, he has to deal with a devil in disguise. The wicked elf of the north pole has an agenda, and I like to know why Pepper (Jillian Bell) is the way she is. When she offers Chris Carver (Murphy) a chance at creating holiday magic, he’s all for it, but it’ll come at a cost! Little does he know that the bargain he makes will even further distance himself from his kids.
While Holly (Madison Thomas) is okay with it, the others are oblivious. Nick (Thaddeus J. Mixson) is focussed on his music, and Joy (Genneya Walton) wants that scholarship so she can attend some other post secondary school other than the University of South California. Meanwhile, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross) just wants that job promotion. All these little subplots mean something, and had there been more substance added to it, I’d probably enjoy this film more.
Had there been more emphasis on showing how the family is falling apart over the holidays, then I’d probably get why Chris is so wrapped up in the festivities rather than taking care of business. He just doesn’t want to see the writing on the wall.
When compared to past films like Haunted Mansion, Imagine That or Doctor Dolittle, there isn’t enough oompah regarding him trying to patch things up with the family. Instead, he’s too focused in wanting to outdo the next door neighbour for decorating his home this holiday season. All that leads to is some strange voodoo hoodoo where he has to find and put back the escaped christmas ornaments from the 12 days of Christmas that has come to life.
Interestingly, much of the humour comes from the animated Christmas decorations than those that are played by live actors Here, we meet Pip (Nick Offerman), Lamplighter Gary (Chris Redd), and Cordella (Robin Thede)–they give this film a lot more character than the older Murphy. Despite their best attempts to warn Chris from playing the elf’s games, it’s ultimately ignored and they have to help him figure out the riddles. It’s a good way to keep them involved in this film, but ultimately, I wished they were the story instead.
Production-wise, I suspect the stop-motion work was intentional. I’m reminded of those old 70s Christmas movies by Rankin/Bass whenever they grace the screen, and it’s these moments which do a better job at playing up a John Hughes type of film.
Although most people will miss the satire that’s instilled concerning the commercialization of Christmas in this film, I certainly noticed right away! The holidays should be about being together with family, instead of thinking it’s the Last Christmas. Just how often kin meets up shouldn’t be locked to traditional beliefs, and thankfully that message is made clearer at the end. We just have to sit through a lot of nonsense before finally finding the writing on the wall, that says it’s all good, and life can go on.
3 Stars out of 5
Postscript: Next up will be Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever. I’m passing on the holiday slasher films like Silent Night as I feel there’s no more originality in that front
Candy Cane Lane Movie Trailer
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