How to Ruin the Holidays Review – A One of a Kind Family Story Perfect for Any Season

How to Ruin the Holidays Review - A One of a Kind Family Story Perfect for Any Season

As a big fan of heartfelt and authentic family stories, I was completely drawn in by How to Ruin the Holidays. The holiday season may be over, but this film’s exploration of family dynamics and complicated relationships resonated with me deeply, regardless of the time of year.


During the summertime, you might think that there’s nothing valuable to learn from the holiday season. However, Buffalo 8’s “How to Ruin the Holidays” proves otherwise. Although the title suggests a holiday theme, the film delves into timeless family dynamics and intricate conversations that ring true no matter the season. The Christmas celebrations do hold significance in the storyline, but it’s more about creating an opportunity for new connections to form. “How to Ruin the Holidays” offers a fresh perspective on family, raw and authentic, yet beautifully balanced with humor throughout. With its talented cast and unique comedic take, this film is sure to captivate and leave you with an unforgettable experience.

“Crashing the Holidays” – A film by Arlen Konopaki with a script by Kevin Gillese. The story revolves around Michelle (performed by Amber Nash), a comedian facing financial struggles, who shares an apartment with her fellow comic friend Suzy (Aisha Tyler). As they continue their audition rounds to expand their comedy reach, Michelle receives an unexpected call from her sister Andrea (Kate Lambert) regarding their father (Colin Mochrie). This phone call sets in motion an unscheduled family gathering, leading to even more chaos.

Family Unfiltered

How to Ruin the Holidays Review - A One of a Kind Family Story Perfect for Any Season

The movie’s success lies in its genuine and candid dialogues, as well as its readiness to tackle challenging topics. Topics such as caring for an elderly parent, managing finances, supporting a sibling, or navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry are all explored honestly and with a touch of humor. The film never holds back in addressing these situations head-on.

The quirks of the father add an entertaining contrast to the heavier parts of the story, with Mochrie delivering a brilliant portrayal. He seamlessly transitions between being a grouchy old man, an unconventional guardian, and a sensitive father figure. Luke Davis’ acting is equally impressive, bringing unexpected bursts of humor in even the most difficult scenes, such as one scene that subtly outshines the rest with its flawless execution. However, it’s ultimately the performances of Nash and Tyler that hold the film together. Their complex relationship as sisters forms the heart of the story.

At the Heart of the Story

How to Ruin the Holidays Review - A One of a Kind Family Story Perfect for Any Season

As the story unfolds in the film, the audience’s expectations about Michelle and Suzy are challenged, revealing layers of pain and abandonment they have experienced. Their later disagreements are intense and hard to bear witness to, yet authentic, as many can relate to arguing with family. Conversely, a surprising family musical performance brings joy and emotion that leaves an indelible impact.

During the holiday season, this heartwarming family story provides an ideal setting. However, be warned that the title may mislead you into believing it’s only suitable for watching during Christmas. If you appreciate genuine and emotional stories about family, love, grief, and renewal, How to Ruin the Holidays is a must-watch regardless of the time of year.

How to Ruin the Holidays is now available to stream on Prime Video and is also available on Vudu.

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2024-07-25 03:11