 |
| Diane Keaton and John Goodman |
Love the Coopers, but don't like their sappy, predictable movie much. Come to think of it, with a couple of exceptions, I don't like them much, either. In spite of a talented (but wasted) cast, you've seen "Love the Coopers" in every other holiday-inspired movie about family dysfunction. When four generations of the Cooper clan - led by the unhappy Charlotte and Sam Cooper (Diane Keaton and John Goodman) come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday. Directed by Jessie Nelson ("I Am Sam") and written by Steven Rogers ("Hope Floats"), the generic, saccharine time-waster that is "Love the Coopers" will make you hate the holidays, since most of it rings false - it feels about as real as those star-studded but phony Garry Marshall holiday-themed movies of late like "New Year's Eve." All of the characters are cardboard cut outs: the cranky grandpa (Alan Arkin), the slacker son/brother (Ed Helms), the spirited sister/daughter (Olivia Wilde) and the unpredictable perpetually single one (Marisa Tomei) none of which feel right, though June Squibb's crazy aunt gets in a few laughs and earnest Jake Lacy as Wilde's military man/love interest brings an honest appeal to a movie that needs it. The story sure lacks a universal appeal, and once you find out who is providing the annoying narration, then you'll know that it's all gone to the dogs (a silly, silly contrivance, just saying), and for a movie striving for family values, it has about as much diversity as a blanket of snow. The best, most memorable aspect "Love the Coopers" is the folksy, energetic score of Christmas tunes from Nick Urata and his ensemble indie folk group DeVotchKa, which is the only satisfying thing about this pat, implausible family affair. If holidays lack this much fun, you're better off being scrooge. Stay away.
No comments:
Post a Comment