Review of Holiday Movies: Moms and Audience Deserve Better than 'Oh. What. Fun.'

Michelle Pfeiffer portrays a stressed-out mom navigating the chaos of Christmas in the new film Oh. What. Fun. Pfeiffers character, Claire, is far from enjoying the holiday season. Her adult children (Felicity Jones, Chlo Grace Moretz, Dominic Sessa) barely acknowledge her efforts, while her husband (Denis Leary) offers support without much practical help. Claire is left managing the holiday entirely on her own, juggling endless cooking, cleaning, wrapping, and planning, all while keeping up appearanceseven during numerous trash runs.

After one particularly harsh family oversight, Claire decides to escape her suburban routine without informing anyone. For the first time, she prioritizes herself. Despite the promising premise and an ensemble cast including Danielle Brooks, Joan Chen, Maude Apatow, Rose Abdoo, and Eva Longoria in minor roles, the film ultimately settles for a generic narrative rather than fully exploring its potential. Streaming on Prime Video from Wednesday, the story opens with Claire addressing some children at a gas station, urging them to treat their exhausted mother more kindly. The scene transitions with a freeze-frame and voiceover, suggesting holiday outbursts are justified and lamenting the lack of mother-centered holiday films.

Claires wish is simple: recognition for moms as the unsung heroes of the holiday season. However, the films execution falls short. Director Michael Showalter, who co-wrote the script with Chandler Baker, keeps the tone light, avoiding heavy drama, but this results in a story that rushes through plot points without letting the cast shine. Each character is defined by a single flaw or issue, with little genuine familial chemistry. Channing (Jones) is the eldest, married to Doug (Jason Schwartzman), who seeks approval from her sister Taylor (Moretz), a serial monogamist who treats him poorly. Sessas character, the youngest, is underemployed and recently single, while Channing and Dougs twins play minor roles. Claires Christmas wishto be entered into a contest to meet her favorite talk show host, Zazzy Tims (Longoria)is ignored, and her breaking point arrives when her family attends an event she planned without her.

Instead of joining them, Claire drives to Burbank to surprise the Zazzy Tims show. The film attempts to create a comedic road-trip dynamic reminiscent of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, including a brief motel stay with Brooks character, a cheerful delivery driver. Yet the movie fails to fully commit, and the characters quickly part ways. Similarly, Schwartzman and Chens talents are underutilized, with Chen reduced to a single-joke neighbor surrounded by pristine holiday decor.

In a broader context, Oh. What. Fun. reflects a trend of on-screen mothers portrayed under extreme stress, alongside performances like Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love and Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs Id Kick You. While comedic portrayals of parental struggles are welcome, this films approach feels rushed and superficial, more like a hastily written holiday card than a heartfelt tribute to moms.

Oh. What. Fun. is an Amazon MGM Studios release, streaming Dec. 3. Rated PG-13, with a runtime of 106 minutes. Review rating: two out of four stars.

Author: Sophia Brooks