Michelle Pfeiffer Leads Amazon’s Underwhelming Holiday Mom Comedy

A new Amazon Prime Video film puts the holiday workload on mothers front and center. “Oh. What. Fun.” stars Michelle Pfeiffer as a frustrated matriarch. The movie premiered on the streaming platform on December 3. It aims to critique the gendered labor of the season but delivers a mixed message.

The film, directed by Michael Showalter, features a stellar supporting cast. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the story struggles to balance its relatable grievances with genuine festive spirit. This leaves the final product feeling less than magical.

A Cast of Stars Can’t Save a Thin Script

Michelle Pfeiffer plays Claire, a Houston homemaker. She exhausts herself creating a perfect Christmas for her adult children. Her family takes her efforts for granted, ignoring her wish to be nominated for a “Holiday Mom” contest.

The supporting cast includes Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Dominic Sessa. Denis Leary plays Claire’s clueless husband. Despite the high-wattage ensemble, the characters lack depth.

They are defined by simple tropes, not complex relationships. This makes their emotional clashes feel unearned. The film’s glossy production value promises more than the script delivers.

An Unconvincing Portrait of Family Festivities

The movie correctly identifies a real cultural pressure. Mothers often bear the invisible labor of the holidays. Claire’s complaints about unhelpful family members are instantly recognizable to many.

However, the film offers few reasons for Claire’s devotion. It shows the stress but not the joy. The traditions seem to cause more angst than happiness for everyone involved.

The finale attempts a heartwarming reconciliation. It feels predictable and unsatisfying. The critique gets lost in a generic, saccharine conclusion.

The new film “Oh. What. Fun.” highlights a worthy subject but fails to deliver a satisfying holiday story. Its stellar cast cannot overcome a script that lacks warmth and specificity.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What is the plot of Oh. What. Fun.?

The film follows Claire, a mother who plans a perfect Christmas for her grown children. After they dismiss her efforts, she impulsively leaves town to have her own adventure, forcing her family to cope without her.

Q2: Who is in the cast of the movie?

Michelle Pfeiffer leads the cast. She is joined by Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Dominic Sessa, and Denis Leary. The supporting cast includes Jason Schwartzman and Eva Longoria in cameo roles.

Q3: Is the movie receiving positive reviews?

Initial critical reception has been mixed. Reviews, including from The Hollywood Reporter, praise the premise and cast but criticize the film’s bland script and unconvincing family dynamics. It is seen as a missed opportunity.

Q4: Where can I watch Oh. What. Fun.?

The movie is available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It premiered on the streaming service on December 3rd and is part of their seasonal holiday programming lineup.

Q5: What is the main criticism of the film?

The primary criticism is that it fails to make its central family feel real or relatable. While it highlights valid points about parental labor, the story offers thin characters and an unsatisfying, predictable resolution.