A Review of 'Oh. What. Fun.'
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for Claire, a single mother played by the talented Michelle Pfeiffer, it's a constant battle. In the movie 'Oh. What. Fun.', we follow Claire's journey as she struggles to maintain the perfect image of a festive family matriarch. With a cast that includes Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Denis Leary, the film explores the challenges of motherhood and the pressure to keep up appearances.
Claire's efforts to create a magical Christmas for her family are met with resistance. Her children, played by Jones, Moretz, and Dominic Sessa, seem more interested in their own lives than in appreciating their mother's hard work. The situation is made worse by her husband's lack of support, leaving Claire feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. As the tension builds, Claire reaches her breaking point and decides to take a much-needed break, embarking on a solo road trip to Burbank.
However, the movie 'Oh. What. Fun.' falls short of its potential. While it has a promising premise and a talented cast, including Danielle Brooks, Joan Chen, and Eva Longoria in supporting roles, the execution feels generic and uninspired. The story lacks the depth and emotional resonance that could have made it truly memorable.
The film begins with a seemingly low point for Claire, as she tries to teach her children some manners at a gas station. This moment, however, could have been a powerful catalyst for change, but instead, it sets the tone for a series of missed opportunities. The director, Michael Showalter, and co-writer, Chandler Baker, seem to prioritize a light-hearted tone, avoiding any serious themes like cancer, but the result is a movie that feels almost embarrassed by its own premise.
The characters in 'Oh. What. Fun.' are one-dimensional, with no real chemistry between them. Channing, played by Jones, and her husband, Doug, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman, are given little to work with, and their relationship lacks the depth that could have made their interactions more engaging. The same goes for the other characters, including the twins, who are mere nonentities.
Despite the film's flaws, it has inadvertently tapped into a broader cinematic trend. In recent years, on-screen mothers have been portrayed as being on the edge, with some even experiencing a freefall. From Jennifer Lawrence's character in 'Die My Love' to Rose Byrne's role in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You', and Jessie Buckley's performance in 'Hamnet', these films showcase the struggles and emotions of motherhood. Even Teyana Taylor's character in 'One Battle After Another' reflects the postpartum apathy that many mothers experience.
'Oh. What. Fun.' could have been a refreshing take on the holiday movie genre, focusing on the true heroes of the season: moms. However, it falls short of its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment. The film is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association and is available for streaming on Prime Video starting December 3. With a running time of 106 minutes, it's a missed opportunity for a heartwarming and relatable story.
