The Stream: A bit low energy at times with Eddie

The Big Screen: A bunch of nice laughs and family love

The Final Bill: Creative Christmas story with some good laughs

– S2S: Movie Review
Director: Reginald Hudlin
Writers: Kelly Younger
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Chris Redd, Robin Thede, D.C. Young Fly
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
Production Companies: Amazon Studios, Eddie Murphy Productions, Imagine Entertainment
Platform: Prime Video released November 30, 2023
Notable Trailers: Merry Little Batman, The Melodic Blue: Baby Keem, Dating Santa, Dealing with Christmas, Your Christmas Or Mine 2 , World’s First Christmas

Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays, Streamers! It’s that time of year where we bring family cheer, Christmas Movie season. Amazon Studios knows just who to deliver it, Eddie Murphy. This raunchy comedian turned family movie star has helped to produce, Candy Cane Lane. This movie is about a father who is determined to win the street’s annual Christmas decorating contest and big prize. Going all out, he makes a deal with an elf to help him win; and. the elf takes the challenge to a new level, which brings unexpected chaos to the family and street. Holiday hijinks ensue. Let’s see if this movie was wrapped up with a nice bow.

Let’s start with the bad. The movie is only slightly corny but what causes more concern is Eddie’s energy throughout the movie. Now. we’ve become accustomed to this vibrant dynamic comedian and comedic actor for 4+ decades, but this movie just didn’t have his same umph. Unfortunately, it’s really obvious when you can feel DC Young Fly’s energy and even Chris Redd as an animation popping off the screen. Even Tracee Ellis Ross and the kids of the movie felt more energetic. Part of this is the storyline of the movie, but it’s mainly just Eddie’s performance. If this is the worst of the movie, I say we’re off to a great start.

Besides the above, the movie is a really nice, typical family flick but with an original story. The cast as a whole does a nice job. The movie is funny, fresh, and full of the Christmas spirit. Performances by Jillian Bell, Chris Redd, DC Young Fly, and others all help propel this movie to success. Is the movie laugh out loud and slap ya momma funny? No, but consistently throughout the movie you’re chuckling and then the ending gives you the bigger laughs. On top of that, the movie keeps typical tropes of family movies but brings it with an original flavor. It’s appreciated to have a little bit of originality in the Holiday season when otherwise you know exactly what’s going to happen in most holiday films.

Ultimately, Amazon Studios has added a nice addition to the Christmas movie season. Candy Cane Lane puts an original twist on a typical Christmas movie. Eddie Murphy is the star but the cast is full of energy and solid comedic performances. Would I run to the theater to see this movie? No, but the movie is definitely worth the streaming watch this December. Grab a big box of fresh popcorn and check out Candy Cane Lane.