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	...	Self
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 1, and is the unofficial consultant for anything Christmas-related in his town of Cloverdale, Massachusetts. During the Christmas season, the Halls move into the house across the street from the Finches'. 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 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 is that he becomes the new go-to guy for anything Christmas-related in Cloverdale, usurping Steve's coveted ...

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Plot Keywords:

christmas | christmas lights | christmas display | annoyed neighbor | twin | 

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Taglines:

This Christmas when the lights go on . . . the gloves come off

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the first movie appearance of twins Kelly Aldridge and Sabrina Aldridge, who play twins Ashley and Emily Hall.

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Goofs

When Steve and Buddy's families go to cut down their trees Buddy is carrying a Troy-Bilt chainsaw. Later, while in a tree, he is using a Craftsman chainsaw.

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Quotes

Reporter #2: Now the folks at MyEarth have been monitoring the situation. Guys, thanks so much for spending your Holiday plans with us.
Amit Sayid - Satellite Computer Tech: Oh no, it's no trouble at all. Actually, it's funny, Bassel's mom just stopped by with a basket of biscuits so we're all just having a laugh.

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Connections

Featured in Bad Movie Beatdown: Deck the Halls (2012)

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Soundtracks

Deck the Halls
Traditional tune, lyrics by Thomas Oliphant (uncredited)
Arranged and Performed by Gary Hoey
Courtesy of Surfdog Records

User Reviews

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.

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, 26 November 2006

Gross USA:

$35,093,569

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$47,232,776

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Regency Productions, Corduroy Films, All Lit Up Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1