Deck the Halls (2006)

Director:

John Whitesell

Writers (WGA):

Matt Corman (written by) &
Chris Ord (written by) ...

Release Date:

22 November 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Tagline:

There glows the neighborhood

Plot:

Two neighbors have it out after one of them decorates his house for the holidays so brightly that it can be seen from space.

Plot Keywords:

Neighbor | Christmas | Holiday | Light | Christmas Lights

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Danny DeVito	...	Buddy Hall
Matthew Broderick	...	Steve Finch
Kristin Davis	...	Kelly Finch
Kristin Chenoweth	...	Tia Hall
Alia Shawkat	...	Madison Finch
Dylan Blue	...	Carter Finch
Kelly Aldridge	...	Ashley Hall
Sabrina Aldridge	...	Emily Hall
Jorge Garcia	...	Wallace
Fred Armisen	...	Gustave
Gillian Vigman	...	Gerta
Ryan Devlin	...	Bob Murray
Sean O'Bryan	...	Mayor Young
SuChin Pak	...	Herself
Jackie Burroughs	...	Mrs. Ryor

Also Known As:

All Lit Up (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some crude and suggestive humor, and for language.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Ireland:PG | Singapore:PG | Philippines:G (MTRCB) | Australia:PG | Sweden:Btl | USA:PG (certificate #42974) | Portugal:M/6 | Germany:o.Al. | Finland:K-3 | South Korea:12 | Argentina:13 | Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Holy Trinity Cathedral - 514 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Regency Enterprises

Trivia:

For the scene in which Steve and Buddy are in a speed skating race, Matthew Broderick had to train with a real speed skater for a few months beforehand.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Steve takes out Buddies power with the snow ball all the lights go out. There should still be some lights as we know that Buddy is stealing part of his power via extension cord from Steve's house.

Quotes:

Tia Hall: This is the most clothes they have worn in years!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: The Worst of 2006" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Jingle Bells

A future holiday classic? Well, maybe not. but quite a pleasant film, actually

Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) is smallish Cloverdale, Massachusetts's town optometrist. He also is determined to create great holiday memories at Christmastime for, as he explains, he was an army brat and moved too often to experience a traditional Xmas. Therefore, Steve has his family on a schedule that includes hanging wreaths and singing carols. He is also a big supporter for the town's winterfest celebrations. Enter Buddy Hall (Danny Devito). He and his wife have just purchased the house next door and Buddy has got the holiday spirit, too, in a big way. He wants enough lights on his house to assure it can be spotted from outer space! Buddy and Steve get off on the wrong foot from the start, with Buddy's light-and-music show giving Steve insomnia and stress. Can these two get into the true holiday spirit of forgiveness and harmony? This is a nice addition to the holiday movie repertoire. Broderick and Devito are fine as the quarreling neighbors, with Devito turning down his manic comedy just a bit, with welcome results. The rest of the cast is well chosen, too. The look of the film is arresting and the costumes and scenery quite appealing. Near the end of the flick, there is a sweet moment when the lights go out and the lovely song, O Holy Night, is resonating. What a great way to remind everyone for the true reason for the holiday, amid the humorous chaos of the rest of the picture. If you want to see something new this holiday or in the future, this one will do nicely for a family gathering. It has some laughs and messages that will get everyone in the mood for the annual holiday experiences.