Among this year's festive film offerings, "Candy Cane Lane" emerges as a distinct concoction within the genre, melding the classic elements of Christmas cheer with a zany, almost Grimm-like twist. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and penned by Kelly Younger, this Eddie Murphy-led film is set against the backdrop of the elaborately decorated East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo, a Southern California neighborhood renowned for its festive spirit since 1949.
Murphy stars as Chris Carver, a family man recently laid off from his job, whose home life is equally tumultuous. With his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross) vying for a promotion and their children grappling with their own issues, the film paints a portrait of a family at a crossroads. The narrative kicks into high gear with the announcement of a $100,000 prize for the year's best holiday decorations, which Chris sees as a solution to their financial woes.
However, the story takes a fantastical turn when Chris and his youngest daughter Holly stumble upon a mysterious Christmas shop run by the ominous Pepper (Jillian Bell), a disgraced elf masquerading as a shopkeeper. Upon purchasing an elaborate wooden Christmas tree, complete with "The Twelve Days of Christmas" ornaments, Chris unwittingly signs a contract that thrusts him into a bizarre quest dictated by Pepper. If he fails, he risks being transformed into a ceramic ornament, joining others who have fallen prey to Pepper's twisted game.
Despite its promising setup and the inclusion of Murphy, whose presence in any film often elevates the material, "Candy Cane Lane" struggles to maintain coherence and deliver on its potential. The film's script, seemingly written on the fly, fails to establish clear rules for its magical elements, and the themes of Christmas and family values are touched upon haphazardly. Moreover, the film's tone is wildly inconsistent, oscillating between supernatural elements reminiscent of middle school horror, slapstick comedy, and family drama.
Murphy, alongside the talented Tracee Ellis Ross, endeavors to keep up with the film's convoluted plot, which twists itself into inexplicable knots. Their performances, brimming with Murphy's characteristic charm and Ross's vibrancy, provide some respite in an otherwise chaotically structured narrative.
The special effects and comedic voice performances, recalling the magic of classic Rankin-Bass animations, inject a dose of whimsy into the proceedings. Scenes involving the Carver family's magical, chaotic challenges – from swans swimming in their pool to yolk-bombing geese – add a layer of surreal humor to the film.
Yet, the film's pacing is uneven, often dwelling on less engaging subplots while glossing over the more original and humorous aspects. Notable scenes, such as Nick's encounter with a milkmaid and a track meet featuring lords a-leaping, are hurriedly presented in montages, undermining their potential impact.
Despite its shortcomings, "Candy Cane Lane" stands out in a sea of formulaic holiday films. Its offbeat approach to the Christmas movie genre – blending family drama with a dash of supernatural mischief – makes it a unique, if somewhat muddled, viewing experience. Murphy's performance, seasoned with both melancholy and mischievousness, anchors the film, though it falls short of his most celebrated roles.
Ultimately, "Candy Cane Lane" is a frenetic, family-friendly film that is as overstuffed and unpredictable as the holiday season itself. It offers warmth and humor in its best moments but gets lost in its labyrinthine plot and inconsistent tone. The film serves as a reminder of Murphy's enduring star power, even in a project that fails to fully capitalize on his talents and the spirited potential of its Christmas setting.
No comments:
Post a Comment