I've heard this one mentioned and on the surface, it looks like it's got a great cast. But it has terrible reviews and 25% at Rotten Tomatoes. That's not good.
Jeez:
The Hollywood Reporter called the film "one of the most joyless Christmas movies ever" with "an unearned feel-good ending [that] adds insult to injury"
I think it's pretty underrated.
Chemistry between Vaughn and Witherspoon was very nice. Basically they are two people that weren't thrilled with how they grew up, and are a modern yuppie-type couple. They make up elaborate stories to take Xmas holiday away from their family. Plans fall thru, hijinks ensues. The casting of both of their families was pretty great, I thought. You really need to like that character that Vince Vaughn plays in every movie, which I do. And I love Reece.
I don't think 'Christmas with my family sucks, they are a mess' is a familiar Christmas movie trope, but maybe it should be. A lot of people can relate.
It's not going to be replayed 40 years from now, but I will watch it 5 times in a row before I watch The Santa Clause.