What We Did on Our Holiday

This dramedy feels cliched from the start. Bickering parents are so caught up in their petty fights that they can't pay attention to what's going on around them, let alone their adorable young children, who, yes, wind up teaching the grown-ups important things about themselves. A wise old grandparent also makes an appearance, armed with a lesson no one will forget, as well as an irritating, rich relative who's used to getting everything his way. It's clear that we should ignore the parents and see what the younger generation can pick up from their charming, cantankerous grandfather. (Kudos to Connolly, who manages to infuse new life into a predictable character.)

The plot twist that comes in the middle of the movie isn't totally surprising, at least not at first. After what we've seen so far, it's no surprise that the adults are useless in a crisis. But then the kids take the film in an unexpected direction that's almost believable, and the way it's treated feels (mostly) realistic and even entertaining. Unfortunately, all to soon the film goes back to standard formula, with everyone learning what's important in life. Unsurprising, yes. Somewhat charming, sure. Groundbreaking? Not by a stretch.