Movie Review - Love the Coopers

Love the Coopers **½ (out of 5) (PG-13) The Holiday season must be upon us, since your entertainment options now include this comedy about a dysfunctional family gathering for Christmas, weighed down far more by emotional baggage than their suitcases. Mom and Dad (Diane Keaton, John Goodman) are about to end their long marriage, but she’s hell-bent on keeping that under wraps, yearning for at least the veneer of Norman-Rockwellian Yuletide harmony in their curtain call as a couple hosting its progeny and their families. The fine ensemble cast includes Ed Helms, Olivia Wilde, Marisa Tomei and Alan Arkin, among other talented and familiar faces.

Secrets, resentments and frustrations swirl among them, with Steven Rogers’ screenplay giving each performer some moments to shine. The humor is gentle and familial; many of their issues and conflicts will resonate with most likely viewers. Visually, their home and its environs are idyllic - looking like a series of nostalgic Hallmark card covers - making the sets a lovely counterpoint for the emotions churning within their rosy-cheeked occupants. The contrast is further enhanced by anonymous caroling behind the highly personal carping.

Even though the outcomes for all subplots will hold few surprises, the journey offers enough chuckles and warm fuzzies to suit the genre and the time of year. Christmas comedies have ranged from irreverent (Bad Santa) to silly (The Santa Clause, Elf) to sappy (take your pick among dozens of treacly, feelgood made-for-TV flicks). This one stays right in the middle of the fir-lined, frost-covered fairway, presenting relatively relatable characters and situations, reminding you of the pluses and minuses of being part of a family, just in time to gird you psychic loins for your own gatherings. (11/13/15)