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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 MOVIE REVIEW 
1

Four Christmases a Big Turkey

Holiday comedy saps critics of their Christmas cheer

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(Newser) – Holiday comedy Four Christmases had some critics chuckling but left most moaning ho-ho-no. Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon star as a couple forced by circumstance to visit the dysfunctional families of their divorced parents, but the "predictable and dyspeptic story" lacks the bite of misanthropic holiday classics like Bad Santa, Claudia Puig writes in USA Today.

There are a few laughs among the largely joyless "slapstick fights, pratfalls and regurgitation" Kirk Honeycutt writes at the Hollywood Reporter, but the big-name supporting cast is largely wasted. Few surprises arise on the inevitable journey to a schmaltzy conclusion, writes Sean Axmaker at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, who labels Four Christmases the "coal in the stocking of holiday movies."

Robert Duvall,left, as Howard and Reese Witherspoon as Kate in New Line Cinema's romantic comedy,
Robert Duvall,left, as Howard and Reese Witherspoon as Kate in New Line Cinema's romantic comedy, "Four Christmases."   (AP Photo/John P. Johnson )
Reese Witherspoon as Kate and Vince Vaughn as Brad as they discover the pitfalls of holding a baby in 'Four Christmases.'
Reese Witherspoon as Kate and Vince Vaughn as Brad as they discover the pitfalls of holding a baby in 'Four Christmases.'   (AP Photo/John P. Johnson,Warner Bros. Pictures)
Reese Witherspoon as Kate, who is unsure how to handle a baby, in New Line Cinema's romantic comedy,
Reese Witherspoon as Kate, who is unsure how to handle a baby, in New Line Cinema's romantic comedy, "Four Christmases."   (AP Photo/John P. Johnson,Warner Bros Pictures)
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petepenguin
Nov 27, 08 11:51 PM CST
Reese Witherspoon can not make a bad movie. Reply
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