RATING★ 6.6
WORTH IT? MAYBE
This Christmas backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for This Christmas.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is This Christmas Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2007)

This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage...

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance cinema, then This Christmas offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2007 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Romance films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2007, This Christmas represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy, Drama, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama, Romance are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In This Christmas, we see Delroy Lindo utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Preston A. Whitmore II is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 117 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is This Christmas truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Drama, Romance, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, This Christmas explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2007 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Preston A. Whitmore II respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, This Christmas serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Delroy Lindo or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, This Christmas is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

117MIN

At approximately 2.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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