Kevin (Jay Mohr) is visiting his ex-wife, Jill (Daphne Zuniga) and their young son at her parents' house on Christmas Day. He arrives late and he shopped at the last minute for his son, too. To add insult to injury, he is rude and catty with his ex-in-laws and the new cardiologist boyfriend of Jill. Nevertheless, his young son, Ben, is so happy to see him that he proudly announces at dinnertime that he, Ben, wishes every day was Christmas. A soft breeze seems to blow through the dining room, but, it doesn't change Kevin's attitude. He continues to be rude through the caroling and the street fair. Nevertheless, when Kevin wakes up the next day, he is there at the doorstep of his in-laws, present in hand and having to live the day over again. Will Kevin learn something the second, third, or fourth (and more) time around? This is a fun family movie, with plenty of laughs and good performances. Mohr and Zuniga are experts as the quarreling ex-mates who still might harbor feelings for each other. How nice to see Adrienne Barbeau again, too, as she gives a nice turn as Jill's mother. The production values, the costumes, and the scenery are all top notch, too. One little caution: there is an unusual scene involving a live nativity scene, where Kevin has a run-in with Joseph. BUT, the most important part of this film is its theme. Most of us do not get a chance to relive Christmas Day or any other day and learn from our mistakes. The best thing we can do is to try and live every day as if it were our last chance to do good for those around us and for ourselves. With that in mind, Christmas Do-Over should be a new classic for the season that deserves a re-run at holiday time and a DVD release. Families everywhere will laugh at the antics but will also recognize the important realities of decision making that is the heart of the film.
25 Reviews
Jesus Fighting in Christmas Do-Over?
gtdeuel17 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Help me, maybe I am missing something. At the Christmas fair, the display by a "religious" family appeared to be the Nativity scene. A woman, portraying Mary I guess, was pretending to hold a baby. A large adult male, with a fake beard, jumped from the display and fought with Kevin. The Conlon family screamed about fighting with Jesus. OK, if the display was the Nativity, then Jesus would be the infant in Mary's arms, not a large adult male. Wasn't Kevin actually fighting with the character of Joseph? Or did this particular Nativity include a time-warp like the Christmas Do-Over movie and both the infant Jesus and the adult Jesus appeared at the same time? Was the reference to Jesus a blooper, intentional or just an instance of Christmas and Biblical ignorance?
Remake of Christmas Everyday from 1996
ja-roth20 December 2010
The last reviewer said it was a remake of Groundhog day or a rip off and that's not true. This film is a remake of Christmas Everyday which is a film i grew up with and stars Erik Von Detton was aimed more at teenagers. It's a funnier film and has a warmth to it. This film however lacks snow, and likable characters at first. This is one of the shows I catch every year on ABC Family Channel as well as Christmas Everyday. However this isn't as good as the original, and lacks a little bit of warmth and charm that the original had. The only funny thing really about the movie is Jay Mohr, who it's kind fun to see go crazy and psychotic. It was nice to see Daphne Zuniga in something new, but other than that it's average at best.
If not much else is on...
tablespoon8120 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly? Not that bad. Don't get me wrong... it's full of schlock and cliché and as a movie lover I'm supposed to be up in arms, but... it's not that bad. A rip off of Groundhog Day? Yes. Bad? Not really. It's the type of film you end up watching when there's nothing else really on. Plus, as a mother (and Christmas softie) it is actually quite a relief to find a Christmas movie for the family that, frankly, I'm not bored to tears with.
What makes the bad work, I think, is that while it's cliché, it's fast paced enough that you don't get bored with it. Essentially, you don't have time to roll your eyes before they're on to something else.
I have to say though, I find the initial awkwardness of his situation EXTREMELY annoying. Who puts another human being in that situation? "Come to my parents house and meet my new boyfriend..." Come on. That's why I say the latter half, when he's begun to learn his lesson and pull one over on the baddies, is what you should tune in to.
So! Once again, watch it, but watch it half way through.
What makes the bad work, I think, is that while it's cliché, it's fast paced enough that you don't get bored with it. Essentially, you don't have time to roll your eyes before they're on to something else.
I have to say though, I find the initial awkwardness of his situation EXTREMELY annoying. Who puts another human being in that situation? "Come to my parents house and meet my new boyfriend..." Come on. That's why I say the latter half, when he's begun to learn his lesson and pull one over on the baddies, is what you should tune in to.
So! Once again, watch it, but watch it half way through.
Has moments, but too mean-spirited in places
MartianOctocretr523 December 2006
An obvious "do-over" of Groundhog's Day, where a foolish man is shown the error of his ways by being doomed to repeat a day again and again (this time Christmas), until he gets the message and changes. This movie can be difficult to watch, unless you enjoy an anti-hero with no apparent redeeming qualities.
There's a vague parallel to Scrooge, too, except in Scrooge's case you rapidly learn that there's a great deal of suffering in his heart, and there is a good man locked inside somewhere. When confronted with the truth about himself, he repents, and changes. No such case in "Do-Over."
Why his ex and her folks put up with this vile self-absorbed slimeball on Christmas is anyone's guess. All he does is create trouble and make a jerk of himself, hurling sarcastic mockeries at anyone in sight. He shows no human feeling or positive qualities, at all. Why does his kid want him around? From action that occurs early on, you learn even his kid means nothing to him. Even when magic steps in and locks him in this endless cycle, he still doesn't learn. Instead, he exploits the process to hurt everyone even more. Naturally, he gets in fist fights with Christmas icons such as Santa Claus and a Nativity scene Joseph. His self confrontation process is painfully slow, if it occurs at all. It appears he manipulates events only for the selfish intent of escaping the do-over cycle.
The only value to the movie are the performances of the victims of this guy--they are really an endearing bunch of people, endowed with patience and kindness that gives the movie what level of Christmas cheer it does have. A nice cast overall; I liked all the family members. Even the actor playing the jerk is good; too bad the script didn't give him something better to work with.
If you find mean-spirited thugs funny, you'll find this guy hilarious. He makes Scrooge and the Grinch seem like Santa's elves by comparison. However, if you want a movie with a cheerful, positive Christmas spirit, see "Miracle on 34th St.," "Wonderful Life," or "Scrooge." But not this.
There's a vague parallel to Scrooge, too, except in Scrooge's case you rapidly learn that there's a great deal of suffering in his heart, and there is a good man locked inside somewhere. When confronted with the truth about himself, he repents, and changes. No such case in "Do-Over."
Why his ex and her folks put up with this vile self-absorbed slimeball on Christmas is anyone's guess. All he does is create trouble and make a jerk of himself, hurling sarcastic mockeries at anyone in sight. He shows no human feeling or positive qualities, at all. Why does his kid want him around? From action that occurs early on, you learn even his kid means nothing to him. Even when magic steps in and locks him in this endless cycle, he still doesn't learn. Instead, he exploits the process to hurt everyone even more. Naturally, he gets in fist fights with Christmas icons such as Santa Claus and a Nativity scene Joseph. His self confrontation process is painfully slow, if it occurs at all. It appears he manipulates events only for the selfish intent of escaping the do-over cycle.
The only value to the movie are the performances of the victims of this guy--they are really an endearing bunch of people, endowed with patience and kindness that gives the movie what level of Christmas cheer it does have. A nice cast overall; I liked all the family members. Even the actor playing the jerk is good; too bad the script didn't give him something better to work with.
If you find mean-spirited thugs funny, you'll find this guy hilarious. He makes Scrooge and the Grinch seem like Santa's elves by comparison. However, if you want a movie with a cheerful, positive Christmas spirit, see "Miracle on 34th St.," "Wonderful Life," or "Scrooge." But not this.
Ground Hog day clone
cavalry-516 December 2006
I'm watching it now. It's fun, but so much a copy of Ground Hog Day that I find it surprising that the producers haven't been sued for copyright infringement.
So, as I watch this, I can know how the central character in each of these feels. Deja vu all over again.
Perhaps you could say that this movie is unique in that it's about a different holiday, has different characters, but that's about it. And, since I can't remember how the Bill Murray character got out of the loop, maybe I'll be surprised and find that this guy solves it in a different way.
So, as I watch this, I can know how the central character in each of these feels. Deja vu all over again.
Perhaps you could say that this movie is unique in that it's about a different holiday, has different characters, but that's about it. And, since I can't remember how the Bill Murray character got out of the loop, maybe I'll be surprised and find that this guy solves it in a different way.
Nothing like watching a bad movie 15-20 times in one sitting
colinsibley16 December 2006
You know when a record keeps skipping and you hear the same thing over and over and over and nothing happens? Consider this movie a Barry Manilow LP that skips for 2 hours. Jay Mohr is a guy that hates xmas and has to relive the same xmas every day until he gets it right. You will hate xmas after seeing this movie.
Go with Groundhog Day instead. This movie rips it off in every way possible, but lacks Bill Murray's genius, a sun shy mammal, and a funny script. Phenomenally terrible in every aspect.
My girlfriend says I need to say something nice and not be such a grinch, because it "does have a positive message and is very sweet and family oriented" but the bottom line is that it's like watching Santa & Mrs. Claus get hot and heavy after a long night of present delivery...not a pretty sight.
It's insulting to anyone with taste that movies like this even make it onto cable.
Go with Groundhog Day instead. This movie rips it off in every way possible, but lacks Bill Murray's genius, a sun shy mammal, and a funny script. Phenomenally terrible in every aspect.
My girlfriend says I need to say something nice and not be such a grinch, because it "does have a positive message and is very sweet and family oriented" but the bottom line is that it's like watching Santa & Mrs. Claus get hot and heavy after a long night of present delivery...not a pretty sight.
It's insulting to anyone with taste that movies like this even make it onto cable.
Woeful
krowhampton25 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This film misses the mark on every level. It takes Groundhog Day, removes the majority of the humour (I think I laughed few times but not really at the jokes), the acting ability, the emotional connection to characters, basically anything positive. People are being nice to this movie mainly because it is a Christmas film, and I understand that (I love Xmas pop music in spite of how good it is). However, this is just too shockingly bad. When Kevin is meant to have learned his lesson and is being nice he comes across as smarmy and worse than before. His wife (who appears to be about 20 years his senior) seems to have gotten on with her life and has a new boyfriend who seems very nice. What becomes of him at the end of this long, mishmash of a movie? Who cares, because Kev got his way in the end - woop. Writing about the film makes me want to eat my own fists so I'll end it here - just don't watch it unless, like me, you have a soft spot for mocking terrible films with friends.
Very Good
kgoeey17 December 2006
Sure, we've seen Ground Hog's Day before, but isn't it always a case of the "Emperor's New Clothing." The casting is great. Jay Mohr is acerbic, endearing and flat out funny! Daphne Zuniga is always a treat. And great to see supporting cast with Tim Thomerson and Adrienne Barbeau. Again, you've seen it before, this time more funny! The blend between humor and drama (there are moments between Jay and Daphne that have you in tears laughing, then crying). Kudos to ABC Family for not giving us the same, saccharine sweet, dramatic Christmas movie we see every year. Definitely better than everything I have seen this year (did you see "Deck the Halls" which requires paid admission). Save your money and tune in. This one has attitude. All and All a 9/10. Well done!
Where was the groundhog?
shinnstoneer16 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoy many of the low budget, made for TV Christmas movies. ABC Family, Hallmark and Lifetime are a few of the networks that have produced some very special, heart-warming stories. Right now I envision an executive at ABC Family who is in fear of not having a job at the turn of the New Year.
Yeah, it was that bad. Jay Mohr had a few okay moments, but overall he didn't provide much of a performance. Combine that with the script and (non)supporting cast and you have a long, dull two hours that could have been better spent shoveling snow.
Peas on Earth! Jesus fighting! Easy Bake Oven! A BRAND New Car! The winning lottery numbers! Belching Christmas carols at the dinner table!
The movie tries quite a few outlandish style gags and goofs but the cast simply fails to back any of it up with any sort of reaction worthy of the stunts.
This movie isn't worth a whole lot more, but I do have to ask just where in the name of all creation did Todd disappear to when Jay Mohr and his ex-wife finish the movie playing tonsil hockey? One would think that a guy who started the day by buying his girlfriend a new car and planning a huge moment to ask her to marry him in front of the whole family would only vanish into thin air after he hid the bodies!
Yeah, it was that bad. Jay Mohr had a few okay moments, but overall he didn't provide much of a performance. Combine that with the script and (non)supporting cast and you have a long, dull two hours that could have been better spent shoveling snow.
Peas on Earth! Jesus fighting! Easy Bake Oven! A BRAND New Car! The winning lottery numbers! Belching Christmas carols at the dinner table!
The movie tries quite a few outlandish style gags and goofs but the cast simply fails to back any of it up with any sort of reaction worthy of the stunts.
This movie isn't worth a whole lot more, but I do have to ask just where in the name of all creation did Todd disappear to when Jay Mohr and his ex-wife finish the movie playing tonsil hockey? One would think that a guy who started the day by buying his girlfriend a new car and planning a huge moment to ask her to marry him in front of the whole family would only vanish into thin air after he hid the bodies!
Who are you people saying this movie had a "great message?!"
shanitajohn5 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, this movie was never going to be phenomenal. It's a TV "family" movie, meaning the actors are good but the script, dialogue and directing are all designed to make it feel a little canned. Whatever. If you know what you're getting into, it's just fine. My problem is exactly how not-great the message is. In fact, it's terribly flawed.
The "Groundhog's Day" movie model is about growth of the main character. What it kindly asks the viewer to neglect is that for everyone else, this is still just a normal 24-hour day! The just-barely-there character transformation our lead undergoes takes place over the course of-what-weeks? Months? He basically has an eternity to "get it right" and hopefully, during that time, to learn something.
What that means for the rest of the cast is that the new boyfriend-a genuinely good guy, who has been a genuinely good guy from the start-in one day, he gets cruelly replaced. It means that Jill, the ex-wife, who has supposedly had time to move on from their divorce (and who we know has had at least one year to fall in love with someone new) she now appears shallow and downright vapid! In one normal day, she can cast aside a man who, we have no reason to believe otherwise, she would have happily married that very morning.
What?!
So, here's your Christmas takeaway, or, rather, your warning: Good people, beware. A random supernatural event (that you know nothing about) may be just the thing some scumbag needs to outshine the life you lead every day.
The "Groundhog's Day" movie model is about growth of the main character. What it kindly asks the viewer to neglect is that for everyone else, this is still just a normal 24-hour day! The just-barely-there character transformation our lead undergoes takes place over the course of-what-weeks? Months? He basically has an eternity to "get it right" and hopefully, during that time, to learn something.
What that means for the rest of the cast is that the new boyfriend-a genuinely good guy, who has been a genuinely good guy from the start-in one day, he gets cruelly replaced. It means that Jill, the ex-wife, who has supposedly had time to move on from their divorce (and who we know has had at least one year to fall in love with someone new) she now appears shallow and downright vapid! In one normal day, she can cast aside a man who, we have no reason to believe otherwise, she would have happily married that very morning.
What?!
So, here's your Christmas takeaway, or, rather, your warning: Good people, beware. A random supernatural event (that you know nothing about) may be just the thing some scumbag needs to outshine the life you lead every day.
To the makers of Groundhog Day: Call your lawyers!
mrtimlarabee23 December 2006
I was not about to say "Groundhog Day for Christmas," as one poster has noted that the "do-over" concept has been done before. I recall a short dramatic piece called 12:01 PM that was later turned into a film that was quite good. However, when you take a concept from another comedy film and almost plagiarize the thing, we need to talk.
This brings us to the abysmal "Christmas Do-Over." I don't normally review TV movies, but the whole thing was appalling. Jay Mohr plays a divorced father spending Christmas with his former in laws. Jay Mohr has a cynical view towards Christmas, contempt for his ex-wife's new boyfriend, and is not the most successful father. He starts to repeat Christmas over and over and comedy supposedly ensues.
This is where the film gets very uncreative, delivering events that are like Groundhog Day hand me downs. Like Groundhog Day, Mohr starts by making a sham of the holiday, tries to kill himself, starts to do things right, then has a day where he helps people, impresses, and puts on a break dance show at a fair following repeated days of practice. It's kinda like playing the piano, if you get my drift. Characters even spout out lines that sound like they were lifted from Groundhog Day. Trust me, it's bad.
Then there's the casting. This is an impressive set here. Given, the actors aren't A-list, but are talented. All do a fine job. Jay Mohr seems as though he was either horribly miscast or badly directed. Given this script, he may have just not cared. The problem is that he is not able to ever be likable, even when he's doing things right. Groundhog Day was successful because even though Bill Murray's character was slime at the beginning, we still had a desire to follow him and watch him grow. The writing on that film had a lot of heart. This film does not. Jay Mohr never achieves a believable likability to make the premise of the film connect with its viewers.
The only good point I'll say about this film is that there are occasional bits of humor that are good. Most notably, a comment made by Jay Mohr's team of dancers as they win a competition against some people acting out the Nativity. There's a great one liner. But a one liner does not make a good movie. Originality does. Not recommended.
This brings us to the abysmal "Christmas Do-Over." I don't normally review TV movies, but the whole thing was appalling. Jay Mohr plays a divorced father spending Christmas with his former in laws. Jay Mohr has a cynical view towards Christmas, contempt for his ex-wife's new boyfriend, and is not the most successful father. He starts to repeat Christmas over and over and comedy supposedly ensues.
This is where the film gets very uncreative, delivering events that are like Groundhog Day hand me downs. Like Groundhog Day, Mohr starts by making a sham of the holiday, tries to kill himself, starts to do things right, then has a day where he helps people, impresses, and puts on a break dance show at a fair following repeated days of practice. It's kinda like playing the piano, if you get my drift. Characters even spout out lines that sound like they were lifted from Groundhog Day. Trust me, it's bad.
Then there's the casting. This is an impressive set here. Given, the actors aren't A-list, but are talented. All do a fine job. Jay Mohr seems as though he was either horribly miscast or badly directed. Given this script, he may have just not cared. The problem is that he is not able to ever be likable, even when he's doing things right. Groundhog Day was successful because even though Bill Murray's character was slime at the beginning, we still had a desire to follow him and watch him grow. The writing on that film had a lot of heart. This film does not. Jay Mohr never achieves a believable likability to make the premise of the film connect with its viewers.
The only good point I'll say about this film is that there are occasional bits of humor that are good. Most notably, a comment made by Jay Mohr's team of dancers as they win a competition against some people acting out the Nativity. There's a great one liner. But a one liner does not make a good movie. Originality does. Not recommended.
This is NOT worth watching!
celestial_princess16 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I just saw this movie last night (rented from my local library), and I was not amused. Let me list how many things are wrong with this movie. Jay Mohr as a divorced man visiting his son for Christmas...actually, that's okay. What is not okay is, he doesn't care enough about his son to get him a decent Christmas present (He says at the store, "I'll have whatever he's getting" without even knowing what it was the other man was buying...how uncaring is that?). He rejects his son's invitation to go camping, not because he has work or something, but because he doesn't feel like spending time with him. He's rude to his ex-wife's parents (who didn't have to invite him, but did so that he could see his son for the holiday), he's rude to his ex-wife and her boyfriend, and when he gets the chance to 'right his wrongs', he actually does worse. He attacks a Santa Claus, attacks a Nativity Scene couple, pigs out on holiday pies, steals his wife's boyfriend's Christmas present to his son, and other things I will not mention here because it's all too insulting. If you can believe it, this schmuck actually gets his way at the end of the movie; he sends his ex-wife's very caring boyfriend packing and wins her back, after all the devious things he did! I realize this was a family film (ha!), but this man didn't do anything to deserve a happy ending. I give this three stars because it wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen (in fact, it's not even the worst Christmas movie I've ever seen), and because I feel generous as I write this. But I do NOT recommend this movie because it achieves nothing in the learning department about the Christmas spirit.
Groundhog Christmas
boblipton16 December 2006
Take the plot of GROUNDHOG DAY, in which Bill Murray has to do the same day over and over again until he finally gets it right, remaking himself, in the process, from a surly lout into a genuinely caring individual. Change the setting from a real Punxatawney, Pennsylvania to a stand-in-for-everywhere, ill-defined location. Replace brilliant comic lead Bill Murray will talented Jay Mohr and some good supporting actors like Daphne Zuniga and Ruta Lee. Sprinkle liberally with many of the identical incidents from the original movie, changed slightly to fit the different holiday and avoid lawsuits and replace top comedy director Harold Ramis with someone I've never heard of before and you get a dull TV movie. Don't bother with this one, folks.
Still Laughing
TV-Films18 December 2006
An obvious "homage" to Groundhog's Day with not so obvious results. This movie takes chances and succeeds. Jay Mohr ("Action" and "Jerry McQuire") is great as the down-on-his-luck Dad who gets many "Do-Overs" until he wins his wife and family back. Not only does he see the error in his ways, he becomes a better a person. Isn't that what the holiday season all about - a time to reflect upon past, both good and bad!? Daphne Zuniga ("Melrose Place," "Sure Thing") is sensitive and funny. Grandma, Adrienne Barbeau ("Escape from New York"...need I say more) and Grandpa, Tim Thomerson ("Volunteers"), are wonderfully comedic sidekicks playing it very dry.
All in all, this movie may not be for everyone (there is belching and fighting), but the heart is in the right place. Similar to Groundhog's Day, Family Man, etc., the chance for a self-centered man to see his life inside-out to gain a greater perspective is always entertaining and sentimental this time of year.
All in all, this movie may not be for everyone (there is belching and fighting), but the heart is in the right place. Similar to Groundhog's Day, Family Man, etc., the chance for a self-centered man to see his life inside-out to gain a greater perspective is always entertaining and sentimental this time of year.
Truly truly awful
jules_ashford16 November 2022
This I think it is probably the worst film I have ever watched. I'm a massive fan of Christmas films even hallmark movies. But this one left a nasty taste.
Kevin is an obnoxious nasty selfish horrible person. He doesn't care about his child he's disrespectful to his in-laws And he's a terrible (ex) husband. When his son wishes to repeat Christmas Day Kevin is stuck into a groundhog day of repeating the day over and over. However it appears Kevin learns nothing from this experience and instead uses the opportunity to manipulate his ex wife out of a happy relationship that is good for her and their son
Where Groundhog Day shows us our ability to win through and improve yourself this movie falls far far short.
1/10 is generous.
Kevin is an obnoxious nasty selfish horrible person. He doesn't care about his child he's disrespectful to his in-laws And he's a terrible (ex) husband. When his son wishes to repeat Christmas Day Kevin is stuck into a groundhog day of repeating the day over and over. However it appears Kevin learns nothing from this experience and instead uses the opportunity to manipulate his ex wife out of a happy relationship that is good for her and their son
Where Groundhog Day shows us our ability to win through and improve yourself this movie falls far far short.
1/10 is generous.
Ending is nonsense
tfrager21 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has some cute bits throughout and made me laugh and smile in places. The premise is familiar: a guy who is selfish and cares nothing about how his words or actions affect others gets stuck in a timeloop until he learns to be a better person.
In this case, the main character is Kevin, a divorced father stuck spending Christmas Day with his ex-wife's family so that he can spend Christmas with his son. Because he's a jerk, the family doesn't like him. To top off the day, it's the first time he's learning that his ex, Jill, is dating a great guy, even though they've been together for a year. He learns this when the boyfriend, Todd, joins them for Christmas. The kicker to the day is when Todd proposes and Jill accepts.
Like with other do-over movies, Kevin starts out taking advantage of the reset by indulging in behaviors that would normally have negative consequences, but won't this time since the day will reset. He then moves to manipulating events to try to make himself look like the good guy while making Todd (the boyfriend) look bad-the goal is to "win" his ex back. The problem is that Todd is actually a good guy and the things that make him look bad are relatively minor. Nonetheless, they work and each day that he pulls these stunts, the family ends by thinking Kevin is great and Todd is being a jerk. Despite a long history of knowing both of them.
For the final day, we see Kevin spend many days learning to breakdance so he can save the day and help his ex father-in-law win at the Christmas fair, and spend many more days learning how to rewire the Easy-Bake-Oven he'd purchased for his son so that the 6-year-old boy wouldn't be stuck with a "girl present" (because little boys hate baking, of course), and turns into a monster maker.
On the final day, it all comes together. He saves the day at the fair. The whole family loves the present he gives his son. And he thwarts Todd's proposal by hiring musicians and singing a Christmas song he wrote, timed for just when Todd had set his proposal. Keep in mind, we're supposed to believe he's become a better person, so these aren't manipulations and he hasn't made Todd look like a jerk this time.
So, because he's been a good person for one day, Jill decides that Todd, whom she's been dating for a year, whom her whole family likes, who likes and listens to her son, who is a genuinely good guy, whose proposal she has accepted all these other repeating Christmas days (suggesting she loves him), doesn't matter. She kisses Kevin at midnight and tells him that she wants to be with him. (I wonder if she keeps the new Lexus he gave her for Christmas?)
This could have been a much better ending if they'd actually had Kevin grow and accept that Jill was happy with Todd. Let him becoming a good dad be what breaks the do-over curse, rather than a romantic declaration that's unsupported by the rest of the story.
Anyway, there are moments that are enjoyable, but it's not great.
In this case, the main character is Kevin, a divorced father stuck spending Christmas Day with his ex-wife's family so that he can spend Christmas with his son. Because he's a jerk, the family doesn't like him. To top off the day, it's the first time he's learning that his ex, Jill, is dating a great guy, even though they've been together for a year. He learns this when the boyfriend, Todd, joins them for Christmas. The kicker to the day is when Todd proposes and Jill accepts.
Like with other do-over movies, Kevin starts out taking advantage of the reset by indulging in behaviors that would normally have negative consequences, but won't this time since the day will reset. He then moves to manipulating events to try to make himself look like the good guy while making Todd (the boyfriend) look bad-the goal is to "win" his ex back. The problem is that Todd is actually a good guy and the things that make him look bad are relatively minor. Nonetheless, they work and each day that he pulls these stunts, the family ends by thinking Kevin is great and Todd is being a jerk. Despite a long history of knowing both of them.
For the final day, we see Kevin spend many days learning to breakdance so he can save the day and help his ex father-in-law win at the Christmas fair, and spend many more days learning how to rewire the Easy-Bake-Oven he'd purchased for his son so that the 6-year-old boy wouldn't be stuck with a "girl present" (because little boys hate baking, of course), and turns into a monster maker.
On the final day, it all comes together. He saves the day at the fair. The whole family loves the present he gives his son. And he thwarts Todd's proposal by hiring musicians and singing a Christmas song he wrote, timed for just when Todd had set his proposal. Keep in mind, we're supposed to believe he's become a better person, so these aren't manipulations and he hasn't made Todd look like a jerk this time.
So, because he's been a good person for one day, Jill decides that Todd, whom she's been dating for a year, whom her whole family likes, who likes and listens to her son, who is a genuinely good guy, whose proposal she has accepted all these other repeating Christmas days (suggesting she loves him), doesn't matter. She kisses Kevin at midnight and tells him that she wants to be with him. (I wonder if she keeps the new Lexus he gave her for Christmas?)
This could have been a much better ending if they'd actually had Kevin grow and accept that Jill was happy with Todd. Let him becoming a good dad be what breaks the do-over curse, rather than a romantic declaration that's unsupported by the rest of the story.
Anyway, there are moments that are enjoyable, but it's not great.
Decent remake and not rip-off Groundhog day (Which is the best of the 3 lol)
atinder16 November 2012
This is a remake of Christmas Every Day (Which I have only saw for the first time this year), I have seen the Do over a few times now.
Both are really different in their own way, the is the same, their a lot, as changed and I found this bit more of Comedy then Christmas Every Day, which more of a Drama.
However this , as some really good funny moments , that make you laugh out loud, there were moment's were the jokes don't work and falls flat, before they are even over.
This is a decent Christmas movie, not the best, Kids might enjoy more then adults, who can not wait for it to end.
5 out of 10
Both are really different in their own way, the is the same, their a lot, as changed and I found this bit more of Comedy then Christmas Every Day, which more of a Drama.
However this , as some really good funny moments , that make you laugh out loud, there were moment's were the jokes don't work and falls flat, before they are even over.
This is a decent Christmas movie, not the best, Kids might enjoy more then adults, who can not wait for it to end.
5 out of 10
Do over like Groundhog Day
Jackbv1236 December 2021
Kevin is a "child", a clown, a big jerk. I didn't even care if he reformed and especially didn't want his ex to chose him over her new boyfriend.
The humor is mostly exaggeration and sarcasm with some physical comedy. Much of it is crude and inappropriate.
The humor is mostly exaggeration and sarcasm with some physical comedy. Much of it is crude and inappropriate.
Modern Day "It's a Wonderful Life" with a twist. Will become a Christmas Favorite
billgremm-123 December 2006
A late breakfast put me in front of the TV for the second showing of Christmas Do-over. I had not intended on watching ABC family channel or anything else, but I did and I laughed all the way through this movie. It has great writing along with the slapstick. I actually thought this had been a movie in the theatres that I had never heard of. The show really takes different twists throughout and left me wondering how it would end. It certainly had an honest approach of trial and error in solving a moral dilemma for our hero. I suppose I am not as sophisticated as others since I do not run to see every movie that comes out, but I do know "funny" when I see it. Except for the alcohol and innuendo (that could have been left out and it still be a great movie) I thought this movie was the best I have seen in many, many, years. It will definitely help Jay's career.
Cool Movie
pherh26 December 2006
Wow, I really liked that movie a lot. It's really funny and you can really enjoy it with the whole family. I showed it to my mom and she was laughing the whole time. Jay Mohr does such a great job acting in this movie. He is so funny! I like him a lot. So if you are into comedy and all that stuff, then you should watch this movie because I assure you, you will be laughing and you probably won't stop, well for quite a while that is. The reason that I watch this movie was because my friend told me that it was really good. And she was right! It was. I'd most likely be watching it over and over again. I'd never get tried of watching it!
One of the greatest low budget movies ever
statetax8 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Regardless of the critics, this movie has become one of my top five Christmas movies--we watch it every year.
To start with, I dislike TV movies. The budget is low. The acting is somewhat cliché. So they ripped off parts of Ground Hogs Day. The storyline in Ground Hogs Day was so shallow and irrelevant that it needed to be done over.
Christmas Do Over resonates with one basic truth--that each of us must get up everyday and try and improve on the previous one. Except in this one, he keeps waking up to a Christmas disaster of his own making. Its real. It moves. It teaches. It is squeaky clean. Its awkward. It feels good. The story has so much potential that I wish they could do it over with more money. I don't mind the actors, but it could have been done better. I would rewrite certain parts like the Christmas fair. Who goes to a Christmas fair on Christmas. But it worked into their characterizations and plot.
Notwithstanding the flaws, the movie is a hidden gem and everyone should see this movie. At least once. A year.
To start with, I dislike TV movies. The budget is low. The acting is somewhat cliché. So they ripped off parts of Ground Hogs Day. The storyline in Ground Hogs Day was so shallow and irrelevant that it needed to be done over.
Christmas Do Over resonates with one basic truth--that each of us must get up everyday and try and improve on the previous one. Except in this one, he keeps waking up to a Christmas disaster of his own making. Its real. It moves. It teaches. It is squeaky clean. Its awkward. It feels good. The story has so much potential that I wish they could do it over with more money. I don't mind the actors, but it could have been done better. I would rewrite certain parts like the Christmas fair. Who goes to a Christmas fair on Christmas. But it worked into their characterizations and plot.
Notwithstanding the flaws, the movie is a hidden gem and everyone should see this movie. At least once. A year.
Excellent !!
fauchermartin-218 December 2006
Excellent movie ! Great casting ! 'Christmas Do-Over' is a real pleasure to watch. With a solid cast as Jay Mohr (Jerry Maguire), Daphne Zuniga (Spaceballs, American Dreams, Beautiful People), Adrienne Barbeau (Carnivale), bravo to ABC Family for release this charming movie. Jay Mohr and Daphne Zuniga did a really great job, two excellent actors!!
Directed by Catherine Cyran
Synopsis: Feeling obligated to spend Christmas visiting his ex-wife Jill, young son Ben, and former in- laws, a shallow jingle writer finds himself living Christmas day over and over again. Before he can get on with his life, he'll have to determine what in his life needs changing and who he needs to reconcile with to make this Christmas the best he's ever had.
Cast: Jay Mohr Daphne Zuniga David Millbern Logan Grove Ruta Lee
With also Tim Thomerson and Zach Cumer.
***** / 5
Directed by Catherine Cyran
Synopsis: Feeling obligated to spend Christmas visiting his ex-wife Jill, young son Ben, and former in- laws, a shallow jingle writer finds himself living Christmas day over and over again. Before he can get on with his life, he'll have to determine what in his life needs changing and who he needs to reconcile with to make this Christmas the best he's ever had.
Cast: Jay Mohr Daphne Zuniga David Millbern Logan Grove Ruta Lee
With also Tim Thomerson and Zach Cumer.
***** / 5
Christmas Do-Over: A Hilarious Yuletide Romp Through Second Chances
jsnarey19 December 2023
Every year, without fail, my family gathers around the TV to watch the heartwarming and hilarious holiday classic, "Christmas Do-Over." This film has become a cherished family tradition, a cinematic journey that not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about love, redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas.
The movie introduces us to Kevin, brilliantly portrayed by the funniest actor of all time, who takes on the role of a lazy and selfish music composer navigating the challenges of celebrating Christmas with his former in-laws. The character dynamics are both relatable and endearing, with Granny Conlon adding a touch of wisdom and humor that perfectly complements the festive atmosphere.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Kevin unwittingly purchases an "easy bake oven" as a last-minute gift for his son. This sets the stage for a series of comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments that unfold throughout the film. The Christmas fair, a pivotal setting in the story, becomes a backdrop for family clashes, competitions, and ultimately, a chance at redemption.
The film cleverly weaves in the theme of repeating Christmas Day, a unique twist that adds an extra layer of humor and depth to the narrative. Kevin's journey of self-discovery and personal growth is portrayed with sincerity, and the movie doesn't shy away from exploring the consequences of his initially immature approach to the time loop.
The supporting cast, including Jill, Todd, and the rest of the family, adds depth to the story, with each character contributing to the overall charm of the film. The interactions between the adults and the heartfelt moments with Ben make Christmas Do-Over more than just a comedy - it's a tale of love and second chances.
The film's climax is both touching and uplifting, as Kevin confronts his own faults and strives to become a better man for the sake of his family. The transformation is beautifully portrayed, and the moments of reflection with Granny Conlon provide a poignant touch that resonates with viewers of all ages.
What sets Christmas Do-Over apart is its ability to blend humor with genuine emotion. The cleverly orchestrated sabotage attempts, Kevin's pursuit of personal growth, and the heart-to-heart conversations all contribute to a well-rounded cinematic experience. The reimagining of the "easy bake oven" into a "monster melt" is a creative and unexpected touch that showcases Kevin's newfound determination.
The film's conclusion is both satisfying and heartwarming. As the credits roll, we witness the reunion of Jill and Kevin, symbolizing the power of love and the importance of personal growth. The beautifully crafted storyline, combined with stellar performances and a touch of holiday magic, cements Christmas Do-Over as a must-watch film for families looking to celebrate the season with laughter, lessons, and the joy of togetherness.
Christmas Do-Over is more than just a movie - it's a reminder that even the most stubborn hearts can be softened by the spirit of Christmas, and that family traditions have the power to mend even the deepest of divides.
The movie introduces us to Kevin, brilliantly portrayed by the funniest actor of all time, who takes on the role of a lazy and selfish music composer navigating the challenges of celebrating Christmas with his former in-laws. The character dynamics are both relatable and endearing, with Granny Conlon adding a touch of wisdom and humor that perfectly complements the festive atmosphere.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Kevin unwittingly purchases an "easy bake oven" as a last-minute gift for his son. This sets the stage for a series of comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments that unfold throughout the film. The Christmas fair, a pivotal setting in the story, becomes a backdrop for family clashes, competitions, and ultimately, a chance at redemption.
The film cleverly weaves in the theme of repeating Christmas Day, a unique twist that adds an extra layer of humor and depth to the narrative. Kevin's journey of self-discovery and personal growth is portrayed with sincerity, and the movie doesn't shy away from exploring the consequences of his initially immature approach to the time loop.
The supporting cast, including Jill, Todd, and the rest of the family, adds depth to the story, with each character contributing to the overall charm of the film. The interactions between the adults and the heartfelt moments with Ben make Christmas Do-Over more than just a comedy - it's a tale of love and second chances.
The film's climax is both touching and uplifting, as Kevin confronts his own faults and strives to become a better man for the sake of his family. The transformation is beautifully portrayed, and the moments of reflection with Granny Conlon provide a poignant touch that resonates with viewers of all ages.
What sets Christmas Do-Over apart is its ability to blend humor with genuine emotion. The cleverly orchestrated sabotage attempts, Kevin's pursuit of personal growth, and the heart-to-heart conversations all contribute to a well-rounded cinematic experience. The reimagining of the "easy bake oven" into a "monster melt" is a creative and unexpected touch that showcases Kevin's newfound determination.
The film's conclusion is both satisfying and heartwarming. As the credits roll, we witness the reunion of Jill and Kevin, symbolizing the power of love and the importance of personal growth. The beautifully crafted storyline, combined with stellar performances and a touch of holiday magic, cements Christmas Do-Over as a must-watch film for families looking to celebrate the season with laughter, lessons, and the joy of togetherness.
Christmas Do-Over is more than just a movie - it's a reminder that even the most stubborn hearts can be softened by the spirit of Christmas, and that family traditions have the power to mend even the deepest of divides.
Christmas Fun, We LOVED it!
wendyannettebloome12 October 2021
First, I'm going to start out by saying that some of the reviews were a bit harsh... I have seen Groundhog Day, and numerous other films with a similar "repeat" pattern but this one WAS enjoyable, and quite funny! It has become a holiday favorite for us.
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