Abbie (Lucy DeVito) and Jacob (Wilmer Valderrama), well-meaning parents, are considering separating. After consulting their therapist, they decide to have grandad Lawrence (Danny DeVito) break the news to their 10-year-old daughter at his beautiful Dolomites resort. However, it becomes apparent to Lawrence that the daughter is already aware of the situation. He asks her if she noticed any changes in her dad, like weightlifting, new clothing choices, or perfect hair.
To create a perfect Christmas before the separation, the family agrees to celebrate Christmas in August. While the parents see it as a way to have one last memorable holiday, their daughter hopes it will bring her parents back together. With the addition of grandma, played by Andie MacDowell, the family embarks on a series of comedic adventures.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t fully utilize the comedic talent of Danny DeVito, who is known for his role in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The movie struggles to find a balance between heartwarming family moments and deeper themes of love and connection. Despite this, if you’re interested in seeing Andie MacDowell recite poetry by DH Lawrence, this film might be worth a watch.
“A Sudden Case of Christmas” aims to be a mix of holiday family entertainment and a more mature exploration of relationships, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. While it may not fully satisfy fans of Danny DeVito’s comedy, it still offers a light-hearted and enjoyable viewing experience. The film will be available on digital platforms starting from 11 November.