The film is all set up and no punch line.

Farcical, over the top, and totally implausible, a stellar cast somehow manages to turn a recipe for a forgettable holiday movie into an endearing foray into the joys and fears of a manic yet lovable couple – and the crazy families they try desperately to avoid at all costs. If you’re looking for an enlightening Christmas movie that will teach you a lesson about the strength of the human spirit and provide a good dose of meaning for the kids – watch “Marley & Me.” If you’re looking to buy yourself some (overpriced) laughs delivered by some great actors, then hop on the “Four Christmases” bandwagon.