The Christmas Break

2023

Comedy / Romance

7
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Spilled 32%
IMDb Rating 5.5/10 10 763 763

christmas

Director

Prarthana Mohan Photo
Prarthana Mohan

Top cast

Justin Long Photo
Justin Long as Jack Bradford
Norma Sheahan Photo
Norma Sheahan as Mary Gallagher
Bríd Ní Neachtain Photo
Bríd Ní Neachtain as Nadine Reilly
Ruth Kearney Photo
Ruth Kearney as Maeve
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
922.48 MB
1280*694
English 2.0
NR
us  
50 fps
1 hr 39 min
Seeds 2
1.67 GB
1920*1040
English 2.0
NR
us  
50 fps
1 hr 39 min
Seeds 4

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by TheMovieSearch 5 / 10

This is a very watchable film, especially on Christmas

The Christmas Break is a lighthearted holiday film that often gets more criticism than it deserves. While some dismiss it as corny or cheesy, the film delivers a simple, heartfelt story about family, love, and self-discovery. At its core, it follows an uncle-played by Justin Long-who adores his nieces and nephews and wants to be the best role model he can be, even as he struggles with questions about his own readiness for parenthood. This premise offers a relatable and warm foundation for a holiday story.The performances are one of the film's strongest points. Justin Long brings charm, sincerity, and humor to his role, making it easy to invest in his journey. His character feels genuine and relatable, and his interactions with the children provide some of the film's most engaging and enjoyable moments. The supporting cast, however, suffers from underdeveloped roles, leaving several characters feeling flat and disconnected from the story. More effort to deepen their arcs could have strengthened the familial bonds the film seeks to explore.The screenplay itself is competent but uneven. While it includes moments of humor and genuine heart, the narrative often struggles to create strong connections between the broader family unit. Scenes meant to showcase unity or tension sometimes feel undercooked, resulting in a story that is enjoyable but not fully immersive. Certain plotlines end abruptly or are underexplored, which reduces the overall impact of the story.The direction and pacing keep the film moving at a steady, accessible rhythm, suitable for family viewing. Visually, the film embraces warm, festive aesthetics that complement its holiday themes. However, the emotional beats occasionally lack the depth needed to make the story truly memorable, especially when compared to more critically acclaimed holiday films.Overall, The Christmas Break is a charming, entertaining film that works best for audiences seeking light, festive fare rather than complex drama. Justin Long's performance anchors the story, and the film delivers enough humor and warmth to make it a pleasant seasonal watch. While the lack of full family connection and some underdeveloped characters prevent it from achieving greatness, it remains an enjoyable, feel-good holiday movie that deserves a second look.
Reviewed by SnoopyStyle 5 / 10

problem with premise

Kid-friendly Jack Bradford (Justin Long) is happily married to Caroline (India Mullen) in Chicago. He suggests trying for a kid, but she maneuvers out of it by using his LARPing. They go back to her Irish home town for Christmas. Her father owns the century-old family pub, but it is being challenged by Caroline's hunky ex Cormac O'Leary and his karaoke machine. The clan is battling him in Gaelic football.This is a little different than the normal basic TV rom-com movie. This one has Justin Long. He's too good. Maybe he did this for the Irish vacation. The bigger problem is the baby issue. The movie is trying to push Caroline into having a baby when she doesn't want it. I don't know if it could be made funny. At least, this movie doesn't achieve it. As much as Justin Long tries with the kids, the premise keeps pulling the movie down. It also makes Caroline into a wet blanket with a wondering eye. This really needs to rewrite her character.
Reviewed by jamestakisblain 5 / 10

Meh

I tried watching this and got through some of it, but it was so cloying and shallow that I had to stop watching it before wanting to throw things at the TV. I gave it 5 stars because the dialogue, pacing and filmography are adequate, but I never could really care for any of the characters. The peripheral characters that pop up once the couple arrives in Ireland seem so shallow, and their implied backstories have no emotional impact on the viewer. The premise of disagreeing on having children is a big yawn. Have them or don't--whatever. I tuned in because I hadn't been to Ireland, but frankly I could go to YouTube and find videos there if I want because the scenery is surely more interesting than the characters in the show.
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