Christmas Eve

Ho, ho, ho? No, not really.

It fails to provide the sorts of human inter-connections and deep revelations for which director Mitch Davis seems to be striving.

Who knew a movie seemingly meant to spread holiday cheer could be so off-putting in an almost sadistic way?

A Christmas comedy that needs more holiday cheer.

There's simply too much going in such a short running time...

"Christmas Eve" doesn't have much ambition. Or laughs. Or sincerity.

It might be intended to spread holiday cheer, but this misguided ensemble comedy has just the opposite effect.

If it's trying in some way to promote focusing on What Really Matters this holiday season, it certainly taught me that I'd rather not waste time on vapid homilies.

Davis deserves credit for putting a unique spin on a well-trod formula. But aside from a handful of high points, Christmas Eve only proves that like Christmas itself, a lot of something doesn't always add up to a good something.

Holiday tale has big cast, worthy messages, flawed script.