A surprising phenomenon is unfolding this holiday season: a Christmas comedy, despite a barrage of scathing reviews, has climbed to the very top of Amazon Prime Video’s movie charts. The film, titledOh. What. Fun., boasts a stellar cast, yet critics are struggling to find much to celebrate.
The story centers on Claire Clauser, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, a Texas housewife meticulously planning the perfect Christmas for her family. Her dedication, however, goes unnoticed, leading to a bizarre turn of events where she’s seemingly forgotten during the celebrations. The resulting family chaos forms the core of the film’s narrative.
Despite the impressive ensemble – including Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Jason Schwartzman – the film has landed with a thud among reviewers. Rotten Tomatoes currently gives it a dismal 33% rating, while audiences on Popcornmeter aren’t much kinder, awarding it a mere 24%.
Critics have been particularly harsh, describing the film as “disappointingly generic” and weighed down by “murky holiday spirit” and noticeable product placement. One review bluntly labeled it a “lump of coal,” criticizing its predictable clichés and lack of genuine humor.
Variety lamented the film’s missed potential, wishing for a darker, more nuanced story instead of the overly polished and rushed narrative presented. The Times echoed this sentiment, noting that the comedy relies on grating musical cues rather than actual jokes, despite Pfeiffer’s continued charisma.
The Hollywood Reporter likened the film to a last-minute, expensive gift – visually appealing but ultimately lacking in substance. The Guardian went further, suggesting the film feels less like a creative endeavor and more like a calculated marketing product for Amazon’s fourth quarter.
Jason Schwartzman, a member of the cast, previously suggested that successful Christmas films need a balance of sweetness, sadness, and humor. He hoped this film would finally focus on the often-overlooked experiences and stresses of mothers during the holiday season.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reception,Oh. What. Fun.is currently the most-watched movie on Amazon Prime Video, proving that star power and the allure of a Christmas story can sometimes outweigh critical disapproval.
