At least it's not 'Surviving Christmas'

"Christmas with the Kranks" is this year's final Christmas release, and it is probably the best of the season. Much like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," the film uses the idea that during the holiday season, Murphy's Law is in effect. Fortunately, it is able to pull off this idea rather well.\nBased on John Grisham's novel "Skipping Christmas," Luther (Tim Allen) and Nora Krank (Jamie Lee Curtis) are their Chicago neighborhood's leader in Christmas spirit. But after sending their daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo) to Peru, the Kranks decide that instead of celebrating the holiday season, they will go on a cruise and skip Christmas. No decorations, no Christmas cards, no holiday party. This is not met well by the Krank's neighbors, who fight them every step of the way.\nThe film is a vehicle of Allen and Curtis to carry, and they do so particularly well. Allen's portrayal of Luther is similar to that of the way he portrayed Scott Calvin in "The Santa Clause," and Curtis' Nora is great as the panicky mother. Also, the conflict between the Kranks and their neighbors is executed well, as it draws very near to crossing the line into absurdity, but never quite goes overboard.\nThe film starts to drag in the final part of the film, particularly after an important phone call. Also, even though the conclusion of the film is appropriate given the fact it is a Christmas movie, it doesn't change the fact that the ending is still rather tacky.\nEven though this is purely a movie for Allen and Curtis to star in, some of the supporting roles are commendable. Most noteworthy is Vic Frohmeyer (Dan Aykroyd) is excellent as the neighborhood watchdog who leads the fight against the Kranks. One disappointment is the minimal use of Nora's friends Candi (Caroline Rhea of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch") and Merry (Felicity Huffman of "Desperate Housewives"), whose screen time is reduced to virtually just a cameo.\nTo be honest, the film is primarily geared to middle-aged adults who are looking for a break from their holiday shopping. The audience for the showing I attended largely consisted of people fitting that demographic, and they were certainly the loudest laughers. However, people of all ages will be able to enjoy the film. It's certainly not perfect, but anyone who is looking for a solid Christmas movie won't be disappointed. And at least it's not "Surviving Christmas"