This movie contains a ton of product placements. Its script is not nearly as clever as it could or should have been, leaving plenty of obvious opportunities for amusement just hanging there. Being postmodern Disney, it genuflects at the altar of identitarianism to an irksome extent. And in certain places, it's just downright dumb. So why did I enjoy it so much? Because it has Anna Kendrick in nearly every frame. Duh. Anna, one of your correspondent's personal favorites, really shines here, bringing plenty of sincerity to a silly role as Santa daughter (and would-be replacement), not to mention that she looks surprisingly hot throughout, despite--or maybe even because?--she's decked out in winterish costumes all the way. However it plays, it plays; Kendrick works her usual magic and provides plenty of individual delight. Meanwhile, there's just enough good humor from the rest of the tableau to counteract the film's worst indulgences. (Also, it's great to see Julie Hagerty in a movie again.) A great Christmas movie? Hardly. But if you like a certain girl...required viewing, I guess it all depends upon which way your North Pole points.
