Christmas Day - life as a movie review - draft

The opening scene to a Christmas Day delivered a disappointing performance, leading to questions about the appropriate casting of a family. The producers neglected to clear the rainy backdrop, creating a very wet and gloomy set in the opening sequence at the overcrowded airport.The leading actor looked smug, soaked and unenthusiastic. The next two and half hours draggedon while he and his father, played by a unknown actor,drove through pounding rains and deep puddles.The next couple of scenes were quickly glazed over. I mean the seven family members ate dinner, watched,football, and eventually slept without dialogue,action or intensity. The scene ended with the father character dropping our lead actor at his sister's place. This transition worked okay, but the next scene provided for a good twist. A great supporting role from the brother who rescued our lead from his sister's who had to work the next day. The two returned to an active household ofchildren, Christmas spirit and life. I was really moved by the scenes with our lead with the brother's new girlfriend. She deserves a nomination for her amazing portrayal of a strong, independent woman, who craftly cares for her man, the house and the family. The two exchange convincing dialog. I sense a sequel. Our lead's real life mother made a cameo appearance. She presented our lead with an intriguing gift bag full of advice and spiritual books on sexuality. And a gift card of course. Her husband and a few cousins all made strong performances. There was some interesting interaction between the lead and his mom. I felt like I needed a little history in their relationship. If I sensed correctly, maybe the director will develop a prequel or provide flashbacks sequences. The climax of the movie was an fun filled activity led by the brother's girlfriend. She and her mom made pasteles, a Puerto Rican cuisine similar to tamales. This time consuming activity involved almost theentire cast. And they all delivered with humorous dialong and funny one liners. The movie ends with the lead eating so much he lazily stayed on the couch watching bootleg movies. During the credits, there were shots of our lead nodding at the airport, patiently waiting since his flight was delayed.All in all, it was a strong movie. Despite the rocky and wet beginning, this movie came through. I give ita B-.