“Oh. What. Fun.” – A Festive Fizzle: Why This Michelle Pfeiffer Vehicle Doesn’t Deliver
Michelle Pfeiffer is a cinematic treasure. So, it’s genuinely disappointing to report that “Oh. What.Fun.”, her latest venture into holiday comedy, falls remarkably flat. The film attempts a fresh take on the Christmas narrative, but ultimately gets lost in a tangle of bizarre plot points and missed opportunities. This review will break down why this promising premise fails to ignite, and what could have been.
(Watch the Official Trailer Hear)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRfj0OHlcvo
The Core Idea: A Relatable Frustration
The film’s initial spark is undeniably relatable. As Pfeiffer’s character, Claire, points out, mothers are often overlooked during the Christmas season – both in real life and in film. this observation, penned by writer Chandler baker, holds genuine weight. It’s a sentiment many of you likely feel, a desire to be acknowledged and appreciated amidst the holiday chaos.
Regrettably, the execution of this idea is where things begin to unravel. instead of exploring the nuanced emotions of a mother feeling undervalued, the film veers into increasingly outlandish territory.
A Premise Lost in Silliness
Claire becomes fixated on winning a daytime TV contest hosted by Eva Longoria’s Zazzi tims, a competition for the “best Christmas mum.” Her children, played by Jones, Moretz, and Dominic Sessa, are less than supportive.When they accidentally leave her behind on Christmas Eve, Claire doesn’t simply seek to rejoin the festivities. She runs away.
This is where the film loses its footing. The anger of a mother feeling unappreciated could have fueled a compelling, even darkly comedic, thriller. Rather, we get a series of escalating, and frankly bewildering, events.
* The central obsession with the TV contest feels contrived. It doesn’t organically stem from Claire’s desire for recognition, but rather feels like a plot device.
* The film struggles to define Claire’s character. Is she a sympathetic figure, a comedic oddball, or something else entirely? The tonal inconsistency is jarring. As one character aptly puts it, “I can’t decide if she’s an icon or a train wreck.”
* A missed possibility for deeper exploration. There’s a hint of a more interesting, deranged story lurking beneath the surface, but it’s never fully realized.
Performance & Pacing Issues
Michelle Pfeiffer, a performer of immense talent, appears somewhat adrift. She’s tasked with imbuing a baffling quest with gravitas,and the result feels uneven. You can sense her trying to ground the character, but the script simply doesn’t provide enough solid material.
The supporting cast, including Kathryn Newton and Brooks, are largely underutilized. Even a cameo from Andy Cohen feels shoehorned in. The pacing is also problematic, with obligatory musical numbers and awkward attempts at humor further detracting from the core narrative.
Consider this comparison: The film attempts to evoke the spirit of classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but lacks the heart, humor, and genuine conflict that made those films so enduring. It also pales in comparison to even a short sketch like the Kristen Wiig SNL bit about a discounted robe – a far more concise and effective exploration of similar themes. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVCtUdaMCU)
Why It Doesn’t Work: A Checklist of Failures
Let’s be blunt: “Oh. What.Fun.” suffers from a multitude of issues:
* Amazing Family Dynamics: The relationships feel forced and lack authenticity.
* Unfunny Jokes: The humor consistently misses the mark.
* Uncaring Characters: You won’t find yourself invested in their journeys.
* A Flawed Script: The narrative is disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying.
The Verdict: Skip the Festivities
“Oh. What. Fun.” is a prime example of a promising concept squandered. While the initial premise resonated, the film’s execution is
