Love the Coopers (2015)

The intertwined stories of four generations of Coopers unfold right before the annual family reunion on Christmas Eve. (IMDb)

A cliche multiple-narrative dysfunctional family script is made nearly unbearable by the omniscient narration (by the family dog, somehow, and for some reason) spoon-feeding you what the acting and visuals should just be showing you (though some things are still left unclear-like Ruby and Bucky’s relationship). Some interesting editing choices (see the quick flashbacks) and asides (see the great Santa montage) get points for trying to do something different, even if they come off as contrived.

5.5/10 (Poor)

 

Father of the Bride (1991)

With his oldest daughter’s wedding approaching, a father finds himself reluctant to let go. (IMDb)

With only mild morsels of safe humour (Martin’s conservative and protective Dad bit can only go so far, and Short’s flamboyant addition gets tiring), cute but never captivating sentimentality (the “letting go” theme is sweet but predictable and bland), and hardly any lasting drama (conflicts are resolved without too much work), there’s not a lot that sticks here. Martin’s narration, meanwhile, is charming, but too straight-forward to help spark a screenplay in need of something more striking.

6/10 (Mediocre)