Kidskycom
It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.
Jenna Walter
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
Mandeep Tyson
The acting in this movie is really good.
Geraldine
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
joyp
As zany characters go, this was filled to the brim! An all-star cast includes Steve Martin displaying his talent at both underplay and physical humor, and the late, beloved Madeleine Kahn at her operatic best reminiscent of her great "Young Frankenstein". I am a fan of male actors in drag, and I truly have a new respect for Liev Scheiber as Christine. He is sweet, strong and unrecognizable in the role. Outstanding! Steven Wright and Gary Shandling do a couple of unforgettable short appearances, and Juliette Lewis is the only actress who could have been as effectively annoying against Anthony Paglia's madness. Definitely worth seeing at Christmas!
spyderguts
I hate to say it, but this is a Steve Martin superdud. I saw it in the theater amidst a sparse crowd, none of whom was laughing either. I've seen it in video stores since then, Steve Martin all over the cover. That makes sense because he's the only possible selling point; nobody you know is likely to recommend you watch it. Come to think of it, that's why I went to see it. I like most of Martin's stuff.The first few minutes (poking fun at SoCal Christmas) was the funniest part of the film...mildly funny. From there it just got worse -- incoherent, disjointed, at times just disturbing. It's one of the few movies I walked out of halfway through.Go ahead and watch this flick if: You've seen every other movie ever made and need to complete your record. You like Steve Martin so much that can't recognize when one of his movies sucks. Uhh...I can't think of another reason.
ccthemovieman-1
Is this the worst comedy film Steve Martin ever starred in? I think so. At least I thought so when I saw it a dozen years ago. I hope he hasn't done anything worse since this film. It would have to be brutal because this "comedy" was anything but humorous.It was disappointing to me because I am a fan of Martin's comedic talents and I usually enjoy the acting talents of Madeline Kahn and Juliette Lewis, as well as a few other supporting actors in here However, this script is pure garbage. In retrospect, now that I see that it is a Nora Ephron film, I'm not shocked how horrible this turned out. At least I have a lot of company in my opinion of how bad this film stinks.
walkermusicinc
I was forced to watch this movie over Christmas break and it was so boring and not funny that I fell asleep half way through (which turned out to be a great move). People keep saying things like "Black Comedy" or "Subtle humor," but it has neither. If you want a black comedy than rent a good movie like Raising Arizona or The Big Lebowski. Simply because it's about a suicide hot line at Christmas doesn't make it black, just stupid and drawn out. The jokes are lame and the plot is as exciting as a PBS documentary on the evolution of sand. A movie made for a paycheck in my opinion. If you want a funny Christmas movie that's actually funny than rent Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story, avoid this one at all cost.
