Happy Christmas DVD gives the gift of family

By Tribute on November 12, 2014 | Leave a Comment

Filmmaker Joe Swanberg delivers yet another intriguing improvised micro-budget drama with his newest film Happy Christmas. Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick teams up with her Drinking Buddies co-worker Swanberg once again to deliver a captivating performance.

Kendrick stars as Jenny, an irresponsible and recently heartbroken girl who moves in with her filmmaker brother Jeff (Swanberg), his stay-at-home novelist wife Kelly (Melanie Lynskey) and their baby Jude. On the very first night, the living situation gets off to a rocky start when Jenny passes out drunk, leading Kelly to not trust Jenny with Jude’s well-being.

This forces Kelly to hire Kevin (Mark Webber) to watch over Jude as she runs errands. As a result, Jenny and Kevin meet and eventually develop an intimate relationship after he sells her drugs. Jeff convinces Kelly to give Jenny another chance, which she does. Jenny enlists the help of her friend Carson (Lena Dunham) and when Kelly returns home, the three have a conversation over drinks during which they encourage Kelly to get back to writing. Jenny eventually convinces Kelly to write an erotic novel in order to make some quick cash and make her life easier, and the two set off to do so. Jenny’s presence affects her brother and sister-in-law’s lives for the better but in typical family style, not without a few bumps along the way.

Swanberg, who wrote, directed, produced and starred in the film, showcases individuals at different stages in their lives, who are all still growing up in their own ways. The actors – whose dialogue, character development and relationships are all improvised – deliver endearing performances. However, the true scene stealer is Swanberg’s own son Jude, who plays Jeff and Kelly’s charismatic baby.

The film however, may not be everyone’s cup of tea as it features an abrupt ending and was shot on 16mm film, so the sharp cuts in editing are unsettling and unnatural at times.

The DVD unfortunately doesn’t have any bonus features because the film incorporated most of the shot material. However, there is an extended scene at the end of the credits that sees Jenny, Kelly and Carson continue their conversation about the erotic novel.

Happy Christmas is now available on DVD. Also available this week: How to Train Your Dragon 2, Tammy, Let’s Be Cops, Jersey Boys, and About Alex. Click here for a full list of new releases. ~Janine Wyslobicky

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