This movie was generalized as being a comedy, but if you're looking for some laughs don't count on Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis to deliver them in this Christmas story.
The movie begins with the prized daughter, Blair (Julie Gonzalo), of the Kranks going away to join the peace core. She's an enlightened girl that made all of the people around her feel good. Specifically her mother (Curtis) who many times throughout the movie will actually freak out when the daughter calls to check in.
After Blair departs Mr. Krank (Allen), plans on finding a way to convince Mrs. Krank to avoid celebrating Christmas and saving some money by going on a cruise. The problem is that the neighborhood in which they live in is nosey and obsessed with the Christmas holidays. Mr. Fromeiher, played by Dan Aykroyd, appears to be the community leader and is deeply concerned about the Kranks. The tension between the neighbors and their love for Christmas and Mr. Krank's disregard to the joy and happiness the holiday brings boils up as the day nears.
The Kranks had the only house on the block that didn't have decorations and were publicly scorned in the newspapers. Mr. Krank's plans are falling through until all of a sudden Blair calls to tell her parents of the good news, that she'll be home for Christmas and she's bringing her boyfriend, because he doesn't really have a family and has never had a white and joyous Christmas. Mrs. Krank is an entirely new person now that her daughter is coming home and decides to try and pull off a miracle by setting up the annual neighborhood Christmas eve party in record fashion, less than a day. With the compassion and help of the community the house was decorated and the food was all provided before the arrival of Blair.
Tim Allen's character Mr. Krank was the epitome of the Grinch throughout the entire movie. While Mrs. Krank was obviously bothered about the idea of "skipping" Christmas. I rated this movie poorly because it lacks comedic value. Some of the scenes might be humorous to kids under the age of twelve. A good family movie to watch, but I wouldn't recommend purchasing this movie on DVD, because it's a one shot deal when it comes to watching it again.
"Christmas with the Kranks" opens November 24, 2004 and is rated PG. Comedy. Directed by Joe Roth. Written by John Grisham (novel) and Chris Columbus (screenplay). Starring Caroline Rhea, Cheech Marin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen, Dan Aykroyd, Felicity Huffman.
