pleasantly surprised


expected this to be another lame, predictable, low-budget britcom - but actually rather enjoyed it. it made me laugh, in which case i suppose it did its job, and is more than can be said of many so-called 'comedies' i've endured in recent years.

nothing earth-shattering; just good old-fashioned family fun. the improv was good, and the kids were just great. recommended.

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My sentiments exactly.

The trailer didn't do it justice.

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Agreed.

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For every shadow, no matter how deep, is threatened by morning light.

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Nice film, sweet, suitable for all - good cast - and just right for this time of year

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I concur.

You're off the funking chain!

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Currently watching this film now on Showtime here in the US...what a great surprise! Happy to see that a sequel is being filmed. This movie arrived out of nowhere. What a hoot!

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Funny, sweet, well-paced and edited with some fun, toe-tapping songs and an overall enjoyable, feel-good entertainment and I understand the use of the exclaimation mark in the title
More CBBC/CITV Christmas TV special than a proper cinema release, though.
It was better than I thought and I agree with the current 6/10 rating and Freeman's WTF expressions are hilarious!

Subtitles misread: 'the Arch bitch of Canterbury'

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I have to agree the movie is much better than you think it is going to be. It is not great art but the children are really convincing and Martin Freeman is a great actor perfect in the part. He appears to do nothing very much while nailing his character exactly in every respect. I have never seen him turn in a bad performance in anything I have seen him do.

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I enjoyed it as well. I like Martin Freeman (UK Office and The Hobbit that I've seen him in). I laughed, which means, as you pointed out, it did its job. I liked it because it was a different theme relating to the holidays. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy Santa movies and Christmas romcoms...but after a while they all start feeling...samey. I try to stay away from too many overly sentimental ones. Some are very well done, but there's only so many of the tear-jerking kind I want to see at that time of year. So this was a welcome variation on Christmas. Other interesting holiday specials (not the ordinary fare) include Christmas Comes to Willow Creek, Crazy for Christmas, A Christmas Story and Christmas with a Capital C. Each approaches holiday topics with a slightly different venue. (at least I don't know of other movies with the same themes)

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