Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to my considerations and recommendation of Christmas Déjà vu.
Story: 0.75/2 - Direction and Pace: 1.50/4 - Performances: 1.00/2 - Enjoyment: 0.75/2
Total 4.00/10
Oh, deary me, Christmas Déjà vu is nowhere as good as the title teases. This picture is not a Groundhog Day style of Chrimbo flick. And once I'd watched the film, I wondered why they had given it that title. Okay, so there's a little time travel and alternate reality thrown into the seasonal mix, but it happens only once. Furthermore, the writer handles it poorly; they could've done much more with the concept. I have to give them respect for introducing alcoholism. I thought that was a bold move. Lamentably, they handle it as terribly as the time travel. If anything, they treat it with a glibness. There was a genuine opportunity to build this story into a powerful, emotionally heart-warming, and thought-provoking morality tale. Sadly, they opted to go for light-heartedness, which was, once again, inadequately administered. I wish I could say the characterisations were good, but they weren't. They're stereotypical and dull. Another missed possibility was Tracy, the only female diva who appears to be more on Kandi's side than her group. This emotional conflict would've opened up more robust and engaging storylines. And don't get me started about how heavy-handed the religious side of things gets handled whenever they rear their devout heads. Sadly, the writer also directed, and though their directional skills are better than their writing talents, they're still below average. The film is full of poor composition and dull camera angles. Even the superb Loretta Devine and the divine singing voice of Amber Riley couldn't sweeten this movie's seasonal sourness.
I watch movies for enjoyment. However, once in a while, a movie airs that makes satisfaction difficult. And though Christmas Déjà vu has a couple of giggle moments, it's more dire than delightful. As such, I suggest finding a better Chrimbo flick to watch in this season of goodwill. Check out the list below. There'll be a better picture listed there.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
