Deck the Halls (2006)

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

Director:

John Whitesell

Writers:

Matt Corman, Chris Ord

Stars:

Matthew Broderick, Danny DeVito, Kristin Chenoweth

1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Optometrist Steve Finch loves those Christmas traditions he has set up with his family and his town. As such, he has a schedule of activities for his family starting on December 1st, and is the official unofficial consultant for anything Christmas related in his town of Cloverdale, Massachusetts. During the Christmas season, the Halls move in to the house across the street from the Finch's. The Halls in general are different in outlook and temperament than the Finches. Unlike Steve, Buddy Hall scams his way through life and never follows through with anything he starts. While Kelly Finch and Tia Hall - Steve's wife and Buddy's wife respectively - and their children begin friendships based largely on those differences, Steve and Buddy butt heads based on those differences. It begins with Buddy striving to have his house seen from outer space by decorating it as lavishly and brightly as possible. One of the results of Buddy's task his that he becomes the new go to guy for anything ...

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Plot Keywords:

twin | cleavage | scantily clad female | twins | blonde | 

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Taglines:

There glows the neighborhood

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Official Sites:

Twentieth Century Fox [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

22 November 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

All Lit Up

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,001,256, 24 November 2006

Gross USA:

$35,092,918

Company Credits

Production Co:

Regency Enterprises, New Regency Pictures, Corduroy Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Gillian Vigman, the main actors were unhappy on set. Kristin Chenoweth was still coping with her split from Aaron Sorkin, Danny DeVito flew in to film his scenes rather than interact with anyone, and Matthew Broderick could be found on set shaking his head in disbelief, repeatedly stating "I've hit rock bottom." Kristin Davis told her that she should have her eggs frozen.

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Goofs

Whenever it is snowing, there is no steam vapor coming from anyone's mouth.

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Quotes

Tia Hall: Honey, the girls are having a great time showing everybody the lights. I pray to God that's the only thing they're showing.

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Connections

Features Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

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Soundtracks

Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer
Written by Randy Brooks
Performed by Dr. Elmo
Courtesy of Laughing Stock Records

User Reviews

fun Christmas film

While this movie is not laugh out loud funny, I still found it cute and entertaining. I especially liked the unique and bright light display. I don't know if most of those lights were just computer generated or if they decorated a real house, but it sure looked amazing.

In the movie, Buddy hall and his family moves across the street from the Finch's. He comes up with the idea of making his house bright enough to be seen from outer space. All the lights and traffic begin to aggravate Steve Finch. He makes an attempt to sabotage Buddy's lights, but his attempt isn't very successful. He competes with Buddy in the town speed skating contest. Steve's wife gets along with Buddy's and she and kids begin doing things different. Steve wants everything done the same as in the same "family traditions." Buddy and Steve learn a lesson in the end and what it means to be good neighbors.

FINAL VERDICT: Entertaining. 12 year olds should like this as well as adults.