 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Deck the Halls
- Review Date: November 5, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Makes us miss those Home Alone days...
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids may actually be the only ones interested in seeing this predictable, mean-spirited, slapstick-heavy Christmas movie. It's filled with sexual innuendo, bad behavior, and grown-ups acting like kids (worse than kids, actually). With so many other, better options out there, don't bother.
What's the story?
Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) is a nice-guy optometrist, living in the picturesque town of Cloverdale, Mass., with his loving wife Kelly (Kristin Davis), rebellious teen daughter Madison (Alia Shawkat), and 10-year-old son, Carter (Dylan Blue). Steve's known as "The Christmas Guy". He loves the holiday and goes all out every year -- decorating, caroling, tree-trimming, and organizing the annual family photo (with matching sweaters, of course). Everything is peachy-keen in Steve's neat, organized world, complete with a wall calendar to keep things on track. Then Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) moves into the house across the street with his lovely wife Tia (Kristin Chenoweth) and shapely daughters Ashley and Emily (real-life twins Sabrina and Kelly Aldridge of 8th and Ocean). Buddy's a likeable guy, but he feels invisible, which makes him want to put up a mammoth Christmas display bright enough to see from outer space. It's his chance to be somebody. So up go thousands of lights, giant Santas, snowmen, synchronized music, and even live animals -- including a donkey, camel, cow, and sheep. It's all too much for Steve, who feels threatened and fights back, enlisting help from his son to thwart Buddy's efforts.
Is it any good?
There's no doubt that Broderick and DeVito are formidable actors, but they aren't given much to work with here. The movie deteriorates into a farce of slapstick humor and crude humor, as Steve and Buddy's competitive nature comes to a head in a predictable finale about discovering the true meaning of Christmas, blah blah blah. On the "why bother?" holiday movie scale, it ranks right down there with Surviving Christmas.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what's important during the holidays -- spending time with friends and family, or trying to outdo the neighbors. If Buddy felt "invisible," what could Steve have done to make him feel better? Likewise, what better choice could Buddy have made to be "somebody"? Who are the real grown-ups in this movie? Why do so many Christmas movies focus on themes like competition and materialism? Does that accurately reflect society's perspective on the holiday?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
funny movie but kinda lame
i honestley thought this movie was OK but its defintly not the best ive seen the cus words were mild such as ass D**n and stuf like that
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
hahaha
Saw it a couple of hours ago, and loved it. I epsecially liked the part where Steve yells, "WHO'S YOUR DADDY?" at the girls in elf costumes and then finds out one's his daughter and says, "I'm your daddy??!!" that was too funny. *lol*
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
stupid beyond belief
very sexual. much sexual humor.
very corny, not realistic at all.
OK for a very vulgar 6-year old.
My dad loved it.
I fell asleep, literally.
really gross and sick humor.
web review is accurate, i do not recommend this movie.
do not go see it.
one more thing: i think 12 year olds should wait to see "we are marshall".
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great holiday movie
I think this was a great holiday movie. It doesn't matter if there was some sexual humor and stuff but I think it was a great movie. If you think it's too sexual for your kids then don't bring them. I mean seriously don't whine and complain about it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
i love this movie. i think its hilarious.its very entertaining. i watched with my parents
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Two words: BRAIN ROT!
There are too many of those uncomfortable family watching moments. I spent the whole movie on edge waiting for the next stupid sexual comment to arise. Come on, married men cat calling to their own daughters (of course they are not aware of the fact). Still, how disgusting. That's an uncomfortable moment to watch with my dad! What a way to treat women! & don't watch this movie to teach your kids to respect the environment. "Buddy Hall" does not feel his life is "complete" without his house, covered in LED Christmas lights, to be seen from space. How honorable. & what happens when the lights go out? Everyone turns their cell phones on and wave them in the air singing silent night. Yes kids that’s what Christmas is all about! Stupidity & consumerism! Ughh, I advise you (no matter if you are 2 or 92) to not waste 93 minutes of your life watching this movie.
?
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love it!
This is in my top 5 for holiday movies. I have only seen it once, but remember every bit of it because of how great it was.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Not what I want the kids to see
One of my biggest issues with this movie was the treatment of the women. I'm bringing up a teeenage boy and trying to teach him that women are not objects. This movie did not help. Cleavage is shown frequently and at one point the dad's are cat-calling towards 3 of Santa's dancing helpers, who are swinging their backsides to the crowd. Imagine the surprise when the girls turn around and see their Dads! So you have men in the movie making sexual comments towards under age girls, despite being married. This alone should make you stop and reconsider this movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | holidays |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | John Whitesell |
| Cast: | Danny DeVito, Kristin Davis, Matthew Broderick |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 99 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 21, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | November 6, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some crude and suggestive humor, and for language. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
