Common Sense Media Review
Home Alone knockoff has mean-spirited humor, sexism.
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Deck the Halls
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the movie has a mix of appeal, with some viewers finding it hilarious and entertaining, while others describe it as slow, predictable, and uncomfortable due to its mature content. The film seems to elicit a divisive response, where it is loved by some for its comedic elements and festive themes but criticized by others for its sexual references and pacing issues.
- mixed reviews
- predictable humor
- mature content
- family suitable
- entertaining moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DECK THE HALLS, Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) is an optometrist living in the picturesque town of Cloverdale, Mass., with his wife, Kelly (Kristin Davis), rebellious teen daughter, Madison (Alia Shawkat), and 10-year-old son, Carter (Dylan Blue). Steve is 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 in across the street with his wife, Tia (Kristin Chenoweth), and daughters Ashley and Emily (real-life twins Sabrina and Kelly Aldridge). Buddy's a likable guy, but he feels invisible, which makes him want to put up a mammoth Christmas display. It's his chance to be somebody. So up go thousands of lights, giant Santas, snowmen, synchronized music, and even live animals. 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. Deck the Halls deteriorates into a farce of slapstick 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. On the "why bother?" holiday movie scale, this one ranks right down at the bottom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the takeaways of Deck the Halls. What lessons does it try to impart? If Buddy was feeling "invisible," what could Steve have done to make him feel better? Likewise, what are other ways Buddy could've become "somebody"?
Why do so many Christmas movies focus on themes like competition and materialism? Does that accurately reflect society's perspective on the holiday?
What do you think of this movie's humor? What about the jokes men make toward teen girls? Did you find the film funny? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 21, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2007
- Cast : Danny DeVito , Kristin Davis , Matthew Broderick
- Director : John Whitesell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some crude and suggestive humor, and for language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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