Interesteg What makes it different from others?

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Amy Adler Gerald Fitzgerald (Edward Burns, who also wrote, directed and produced this gem) has been the family peacemaker and caretaker for a long time. As the eldest of seven siblings, Gerry took over the role of parent when the father took off twenty years ago. Mother Rosie (Anita Gillette) was devastated and still very bitter. Although all of the kids are now adults, there has never been a family dinner that includes both natural parents. Rosie won't hear of it. So, for two decades, the Fitzgerald clan of three sons and four daughters has seen Dad on and off but always have Holiday celebrations with Rosie. Now, this year is different. Father Skip-out has terminal cancer and he wants Gerald to arrange for the whole family to be together for the Christmas meal. Gerry hoped to talk to the sibs at their mother's birthday dinner, on the 23rd. But, the brothers and sisters started canceling out. One just got out of rehab, one has an abusive husband, one is married to a Jewish man who wants his wife to spend time with HIS family and so on. However, once the kids know about their Dad's condition, they join forces to convince Mother to forgive her ex, at least for a day. Also chiming in are the family priest and a close neighbor lady. Meanwhile, Gerry has met a nice home health aide, Nora (Connie Britton) who is the first woman he has really connected to since the death of his fiancé. Will this be the season of the true spirit of Christ's love? This sharp, insightful movie has its funny moments but deals more often with very serious subjects. What else would anyone expect from the terrific writer/director Edward Burns? The cast is quite large and does fine work, including Burns himself in a pivotal role. The setting in and around Manhattan are Burns' favorites as well. Here is a flick that would set the stage for a family gathering of peace and love, even if your family is enduring quite a bit of upheaval. Isn't that what most long for at holiday times?

george.schmidt THE FITZGERALD FAMILY Christmas (2012) ***1/2 Edward Burns, Connie Britton, Kerry Bishe, Heather Burns, Dara Coleman, Brian d'Arcy James, Marsha Dietlin, Noah Emmerich, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Anita Gillette, Tom Guiry, Ed Lauter, Malachy McCourt, Michael McGlone, Daniella Pineda, Nick Sandow, Johnny Solo, Joyce Van Patten. Fimmaker Burns' return to form in this indie gem and instant holiday classic - the sprawling/brawling Irish-American Fitzgerald family is in flux largely due to the dilemma of the estranged patriarch returning to the next for the forthcoming seasonal celebration with various affairs, rehabilitations and sibling rivalries in the mix as well as a matriarch far from willing to bury the hatchet (unless perhaps in her no-good ex' skull for starters). Funny, poignant and smartly written and low-key directed allowing each of the characters a few moments to shine and the genuine feeling of how the love/hate dynamic of ALL families is too-universal to a fault. Great performances particularly veterans Gillette and Lauter as the feuding parents. A wonderful indie present for filmgoers and a must see.

v s Loved this movie! Having grown up Irish on Long Island, in a broken family, I can vouch for its authenticity. From the kitschy plastic Christmas decorations on the front lawn to the tough slang of the brothers, it's L.I. all the way.In the movie, the father left the family 20 years ago, and now comes back and expects to spend Christmas with his"family" again--his ex-wife and seven children--even though many want nothing to do with him.The film has a great natural flow, and it's charming throughout. It was great to see Ed Burns again and he's picked a great ensemble for his movie. I haven't seen many of his movies but plan to catch up.

levineshelly What a wonderful film. The characters, the relationships, the situations are all so real. Seven adult siblings are negotiating coming together for Christmas, after having bailed on their mother's 70th birthday party the night before. The oldest brother, played by Ed Burns, tries to bring the family together but must deal with all the various conflicts and alliances that naturally occur in a large family. The plot revolves around the absent father, who abandoned the family 20 years earlier and who now wants to reunite with the family for Christmas. All very authentic and moving, without ever becoming melodramatic. Anita Gillette, the actress playing the family matriarch, is absolutely amazing. And Ed Burns is fabulous, as usual. This should be an annual Christmas movie!