Four Christmases ***

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, Mary Steenburgen, Kristen Chenoweth, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight
Director: Seth Gordon
Running Length: 1:22
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Witherspoon) are heading to Figi for Christmas so they do not have to spend time with their family. A dense fogbank grounds all flights out of San Francisco and destroys their plans. A local television report from the airport seals their fate, and soon they are off to see their families – Brad’s divorced mom and dad and Kate’s divorced mom and dad. Brad’s dad (Duvall) and brothers (Favreau and McGraw) are hell on Brad, but Kate finds amusement in his discomfort. Kate’s mom (Steenburgen) is a bit of a cougar, making things uncomfortable for everyone. By the time they have survived Brad’s mom (Spacek), their relationship is hanging by a thread. Kate’s dad is not so bad, but by then it may just be too late.

“Four Christmases” is a pretty funny holiday film. Vaughn and Witherspoon are two likeable, funny leads. A star-studded supporting cast keeps the humor coming as well. The humor is of the squirmy, uncomfortable kind. You feel bad for these two as they are forced to deal with their families. This is an entertaining film for fans of holiday movies. If you are in the mood for something Christmassy, check it out.

The Brave One ***Cast: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Naveeen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen, Nicky Katt
Director: Neil Jordan
Running Length: 2:02
MPAA Classification: R

New York City talk show host Erica (Foster) is on the brink of marrying David (Andrews). She is very happy. Then one night, they are attacked. David dies and Erica lives. Unfortunately, she is an emotional wreck. Just getting the courage to leave her apartment is a challenge. Once out, she buys a gun – for protection and revenge. When a few dead bodies start showing up, Detectives Mercer (Howard) and Vitale (Katt) are at a loss to what kind of a person they are dealing with. Erica’s friend ship with Mercer complicates things for her as well. As the police close in on her, Erica must decide of revenge is really worth it.

“The Brave One” is an interesting movie that doesn’t provide any easy answers. Jodie Foster gives an excellent performance as a character who is both vengeful and sympathetic. Howard and Katt are both good in supporting roles as the detectives. “The Brave One” is the type of movie to provoke a discussion on what is right, and by giving no real answer it makes itself more interesting. This is not a movie for everyone, but it is worth seeing.

Elf ***

Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay
Director: Jon Favreau

Buddy the elf finds out that he isn't really an elf. He was just raised by them at the North Pole after Santa mistakenly brought him back from the adoption home one Christmas Eve. Now, Buddy is determined to meet his real father, a grumpy children's book publisher who barely has time for his wife and other son. Of course this movie has a lot of "fish out of water" moments as Buddy gets acclimated to the real world, but Will Ferrell gives him the heart and innocence that makes you want to root for him. While watching this movie, I found myself thinking about how this will be one of those Christmas movies that you actually want to pull out and watch this time every year.