Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball) and Reese Wetherspoon (Legally Blonde) are a happy couple - or at least they think they are.

Each Christmas they avoid seeing their families and the awkwardness that surrounds such occasions by going away on a romantic and exotic holiday, claiming that they are off doing volunteerwork.

Unfortunately though, when their flights get cancelled and a local news crew randomly pick them to interview, they are exposed and have to see all four parents in one day. It's going to be a long day.

First of all. Don't expect a laugh a minute romantic comedy or you will be sorely disappointed. Their are jokes but they are spaced out more than in a lot of films. This is a film along the same lines as The Break Up (which also starred Vince Vaughn come to think of it).

However, the fact that this is slightly closer to reality than other films is a breath of fresh air. The relationship isn't perfect and the couple don't fall magically for each other. In many ways, this is the film that should be the sequel to many other rom coms - which is not to say that it doesn't have a happy ending, but that in real life, there isn't always a happily ever after.

For me though it was refreshing to see a film showing a couple that didn't want the cliche'd white wedding and family initially, but realising that over time wanting some of these things was a natural progression. Maybe that doesn't make sense or is obvious to most people, but it was a revelation to me.

In short, it got me in a Christmassy mood in the days leading up to Christmas, though it certainly wasn't the film I was expecting it to be.

see also:
Hitch, 50 First Dates, What Happens in Vegas, Dan in real life

[rate this movie] [official site]
photo © Warner Bros Pictures.