Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable holiday romcom with drinking, mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marry Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MARRY CHRISTMAS follows two brothers, Tom (Joey Lawrence) and Austin (Matthew Lawrence), who each accidentally book the same Christmas Day wedding venue. The overlapping plans create a full-on family conflict as the brothers try to resolve the mix-up without canceling their individual celebrations. As both couples prepare for their big day, the situation leads to a series of logistical challenges involving family, an eager wedding planner (Diego Rodriguez), and venue coordination, all unfolding chaotically during the holiday season.
Is It Any Good?
This Lawrence-sibling concoction feels like a lifeless shuffle through holiday romcom clichés, built around a conflict that never feels like more than a scheduling hiccup. Two brothers accidentally book the same wedding date and spend the film squabbling over it, but there's no real tension or humor to sustain interest. The dialogue is stiff, the pacing sluggish, and the girlfriends are so underwritten they barely exist beyond their matching smiles and pastel wardrobes. It all moves predictably toward a feel-good finale that feels more forced than earned.
The one saving grace is Donna Lawrence, who brings some much-needed spark as the no-nonsense, boozy grandma dispensing actual wisdom and side-eye in equal measure. Everyone else fades into the holiday giftwrapping, including Joey Lawrence, who seems to have misplaced the charm that once made him watchable. Kids won't find it funny, and adults will be hard-pressed to stay engaged unless they're holiday movie completists.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the brothers could have solved their issues in a better way. How could Austin and Tom have acted to avoid any conflict?
What does the film have to say about the importance of family during the holidays?
Do you think the female characters could have been given more to do? How do you feel they could have contributed to the story?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 3, 2024
- Cast : Joey Lawrence , Matthew Lawrence , Andrew Lawrence
- Director : Andrew Lawrence
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Shout Factory
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 16, 2025
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