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The Brothers McMullen writer-director-star Edward Burns returns to the family well once again with this warm, acutely observed story about an expansive Irish clan's fraught yuletide when the long-absent patriarch declares his intention to come home for the holidays.
Nice little holiday movie – with just enough acerbic wit and language to keep it off of the Hallmark Channel. Probably truer to life than the usual Christmas romance movie.
Washington, DC Member
Brought tears to my eyes, so I must’ve liked it.
Washington, DC Member
I am NOT a fan of Ed Burns. He’s been overrated for his entire career, but this is a very good film.
Washington, DC Member
STL
91% - Dec 9, 2012
I love the realism of this story and how it depicted how each character was affected by the father’s leaving and absence. It was a different experience for each as it often is in “real life,” and I find that fascinating and worth exploring. I love the family loyalty!
St. Louis Member
This captures a wonderful message: forgive when at all possible and love everyone as much as possible.
St. Louis Member
Overall excellent—longish, complicated, but ultimately very satisfying. Family clan dynamics generally ring true. Large ensemble cast carries off story with great skill, direction. Connie Britton as Nora is a welcome and crucial character.
St. Louis Member
SF
82% - Dec 2, 2012
My favorite genre -- the dysfunctional family Christmas movie! There was an amazing wealth of tacky decorations - great sets! The best of this type of movie I've seen.
San Francisco Member
I quite liked this and was moved by it. I appreciate the balancing of all the stories and character development without being confusing. The homes and neighborhood felt very authentic. The shorthand of explaining family history worked well.
San Francisco Member
Presented real circumstances of family life - revisiting issues, seemingly unsolvable, as solvable with love.
San Francisco Member
MIL
82% - Dec 9, 2012
What a charming movie! It was perfectly cast.
Milwaukee Member
Great story and wonderful acting!
Milwaukee Member
Opened up burried feelings.
Milwaukee Member
ATL
84% - Dec 9, 2012
I always enjoy Edward Burns' movies--the stories, the realism, the tenderness and tapping into emotions. I really liked the theme and exploration of FORGIVENESS--especially at Christmas time.
Atlanta Member
An excellent film. I got to know each of the characters very well. Good screen play. The theme of forgiveness was handled very well.
Atlanta Member
A lot of very unhappy, unlikeable people. Good study of what family dysfunction in one generation does to the next generation.
