Shapeero’s Christmas black comedy is a turgid blend of pizazz and self-deprecating humour.

Boyd Mitcheler spreads seasonal overkill on his children after years of disgruntled treatment from his family, before being pushed onto their encroaching charms for the holidays. Shapeero’s film, whilst occasionally charming, encapsulates the filthy polish and all the disgruntled arguments of a lower class Christmas.

Robin Williams steals the show as a supposed background character in one of his last filmed performances. Sadly this dreadful affair is undeserving of his efforts, and will likely be found relegated to an afternoon near you on Channel 5.

A Merry Friggin’ Christmas attempts to be a seasonal film for the adult generation, and in this arena, it marginally succeeds. However time-worn jokes and Christmas cliches inhibit any form of innovation, resulting in a film of all round mediocrity. 

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Clark Duke, Oliver Platt, Tim Heidecker, Robin Williams

DIRECTOR: Tristram Shapeero

WRITER: Phil Johnston

SYNOPSIS: Boyd Mitchler and his family must spend Christmas with his estranged family of misfits. Upon realizing that he left all his son’s gifts at home, he hits the road with his dad in an attempt to make the 8-hour round trip before sunrise.