Christmas With the Andersons is a 2016 holiday movie written and directed by Michael Feifer, best known for his work on TV movies about dogs. This time, Feifer delivers a family-centered holiday tale starring George Stults (7th Heaven), Christy Romano (Even Stevens), Savannah and Luke Judy, Ion Overman (Port Charles), Julie Brown (Homecoming Queen’s Got a Gun), Caia Coley, and Barry Livingston (Argo). While the film attempts to combine holiday warmth with a story of redemption, it often struggles to balance its tone, resulting in a mix of absurdity and sentimentality.
The story kicks off with a flashback to the chaotic delivery of Michael and Caroline Anderson’s twins, Brendan and Patty, in the back of an SUV. Flash forward 10 years to Beverly Hills, where the Andersons’ extravagant annual Christmas party serves as a thinly veiled insult to their guests, dubbed the “less fortunate.” Amidst the lavish setting, Michael (George Stults) hands out practical but patronizing gifts like toothbrushes and lint rollers, while Brendan selfishly hogs his video games. The family’s rudeness is so exaggerated it’s almost comical, setting the tone for what unfolds as a tale of privilege, downfall, and eventual redemption.
As the story progresses, Michael surprises Caroline (Christy Romano) with her own high-end store to sell her soap and bubble bath products. Meanwhile, we get glimpses into their lives through a montage of holidays, culminating in the arrival of Christmas and the unexpected return of Michael’s eccentric Aunt Kate (Julie Brown). The film begins to shift when Michael, a cutthroat attorney with no moral qualms, is fired from his firm by his father (Barry Livingston). The elder Anderson cites Michael’s arrogance and lack of grounding, forcing him to confront his behavior and its consequences.
Simultaneously, Caroline’s store faces a lawsuit from a disgruntled customer, and the family’s financial struggles deepen. In an abrupt but predictable change of heart, Michael helps the woman suing them find a new job and rekindles his Christmas spirit. The Andersons transform their lavish party into a heartfelt potluck with homemade decorations, rediscovering the true meaning of the season. The film concludes with a feel-good flash forward, echoing the chaotic baby delivery from the opening scene.
While the film attempts to convey a redemptive arc, its over-the-top characterizations and exaggerated performances often detract from the emotional weight. George Stults and Christy Romano are serviceable in their roles but fail to elevate the material beyond its predictable beats. The child actors, Savannah and Luke Judy, shine more in moments of genuine warmth rather than as the spoiled brats they initially portray.
Julie Brown’s comedic flair adds energy to the movie, but her presence feels underutilized. In contrast, Barry Livingston delivers a grounded and wise performance, providing a calm counterpoint to Michael’s frenetic arrogance. His scenes bring a touch of gravitas to an otherwise chaotic narrative.
The film’s tone fluctuates wildly, especially in the opening scenes, where the Andersons’ brashness is so over-the-top it borders on absurdity. It’s difficult to believe anyone would host a party solely to belittle their guests. However, the redemption arc and final act do offer some touching moments, particularly as the family bonds over their newfound humility.
Overall, Christmas With the Andersons is a mixed bag. It’s not the worst holiday movie you’ll find, but it doesn’t stand out among the plethora of seasonal offerings. While it has moments of charm, particularly in its final scenes, the exaggerated performances and uneven tone make it hard to fully invest in the story. That said, if you’re looking for a holiday film that’s offbeat and different from the typical “Christmas princess” fare, this might be worth a watch. You can stream it on Hulu or rent it on Amazon Prime for $1.99.
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Christmas With the Andersons
Nice to see Jay Livingston . He was the steady patriarch against all the craziness , doubt and confusion .
I give a strong ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The children portrayals were superb