Coopers' Camera (2008) User Reviews

Humorous Christmas Film Set in the 1980s

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 15 November 2010]

The Cooper family (Jason Jones and Samantha Bee) accepted a video camera in 1985 in exchange for $2000 a friend (Dave Foley) needed to pay off a debt. They filmed the festivities, and 25 years later the tapes have been unveiled.

This film works off a few familiar premises... the found footage of "Blair Witch" or "Cloverfield", mixed with the humor of returning to the 1980s, as with "Wedding Singer" or "Hot Tub Time Machine". Perhaps, miraculously, Jones (both star and writer) seems to not repeat jokes already in the other films.

Crimped hair, New Coke, and more Star Was references than in any other film I've ever seen... and I've seen a lot of Star Wars references. I think this will appeal to a wide variety of people, both geeks and nerds, but also those who may want to relive the 1980s or see Dave Foley's bare behind.

There's a really great running joke about Viagra, where they ask, who would ever go to the doctor to get their penis to work? It's funny because it's probably true: what seemed outlandish in 1985 today seems common: male enhancement is constantly being advertised and I suspect is widely used.

Not many laughs in this family Christmas

[Ed-Shullivan · 3/10 · 11 October 2013]

Although the movie concept was an interesting one, it failed to generate many nostalgic laughs, nor did it remind me very much of the 1985 era, or of my own family Christmas's, thank goodness. The movie's concept is supposed to be that dad wraps up a used VHS video camera for the family Christmas gift that he had to settle taking in lieu of a $2,000 debt owed to him by a shady friend played by Dave Foley who used the video camera to make his amateur porn.

Grandma is played by Jayne Eastwood, and she is just not happy with anything about Christmas other than the hard liquor. Grandpa is deaf as a door nail, and his three daughters do not have much use for him as they are reminded how awful their childhood was with him as their dad.

Jason Jones is the sad sack dad, whose Don Juan smarmy brother played by Peter Klegehan continues to make passes at his sister in law who just happens to be about four months pregnant when coincidentally was the last time the two secretly met. Rounding out the dysfunctional adults is the heavy drinking mullet head brother in law played by Mike Beaver.

So by now you have probably figured out that when you mix a lot of heavy drinking, a dysfunctional family with a few teenage kids who are also a bit warped. and provide them with their first ever video camera, nothing is off limits. In one particular scene dad, played by Jason Jones is sitting on the toilet doing what comes naturally and this is where I thought the movie should have ended......on the bathroom throne.

This is a two star flusher, with a pretty bad smell. Don't waste any more time watching it than you would exert on a good bowel movement.

Well Carbonated Then Fizzled Out

[poiuytblivet · 4/10 · 17 October 2015]

How I keep finding these movies that are all shot on a camcorder I'll never know. Personally I hate this style of filming for many reasons. There are very, very, very, VERY few movies I like that are shot like this.

This story takes place in 1985 where a clueless and pathetic husband/father buys a camcorder for Christmas and he decides to record their holiday family gathering. His youngest son gets his hand on the camcorder and starts to record every embarrassing family moment and every family secret which spirals into a web of hilarity.

'Coopers' Christmas' starts out like a fresh carbonated soda; cool and effervescent. Then it fizzles out and becomes stale. The jokes seemed to become predictable and unimaginative (probably due to the binge drinking the main characters participate in). Then we're reduced to seeing 'shock humor' (e.g. excessive vomiting, toilet humor) which I find funny in a comedy, but it seemed drawn-out and overdone. It seemed as if all the relatively good jokes spanned from beginning to the middle, then it goes down hill from there.

And I've stressed this before regarding this movie style that during a dramatic point, nobody is not thinking "get the camera so we can tape this!" Especially since this story takes place in 1985, that wasn't the knee-jerk reaction for people. And how is it that the youngest figured out how to work the new camcorder? I have had one of those camcorders from the 1980s, and I'm telling you they were not user-friendly. So maybe an explanation would have been good unless I missed it, but I am certainly not going to re-watch it for that one minor glitch.

So I watched it once, but for sure not watching it again.

One funny movie

[schewy · 10/10 · 7 September 2008]

I don't know where to start. I just finished watching the movie at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and I am still recovering from over 90 minutes of non stop laughter. Imagine, if you could, every family dysfunction that you have ever experienced condensed into 90 minutes.

Between cringing, laughing and dying from emotional flashbacks I have never enjoyed a movie more.

I have to commend a cast that was able to pull this little gem off as according to the director it was shot in 11 days. The characters ranged from the repressed and emotionally stunted father to an alcohol fuelled, racists, mullet sporting, date rapist and multiple vehicular homicidal maniac uncle.

This is a unique film and deserves a wider release than it will get. I can only hope that it will become a cult classic to be referenced and plagiarised at will.

Go see this movie you will not regret it and you too shall appreciate the phrase "Balls deep" and you will never look at a mannequin in the same way again.

Um, he's laughing about what?

[asarandes · 1/10 · 19 December 2019]

Made it to 25 minute mark then it got real messed up. Re-wound to make sure of what he said. Yup. Not.Funny. At. All.

A Christmas Classic: Wonderfully under-appreciated work of Art

[RuthlessGoat · 10/10 · 30 November 2017]

As some of you might know, I write for and orchestrate Ruthless Reviews. O.K., I know, big deal. Sometimes our readers throw us a pearl. This time the pearl bore fruit in the form of this deliciously vulgar but infinitely watchable movie.

The only reasonable way that I can describe this VHS film is the joy that a dog incurs when it eats its own vomit. Yes, it is that good. From the endless mullets to the crazy Family Values, this film separates the wheat from the chaff. You are either all-in for Christmas mockery, or you are not.

Unless you are some sort of hard-core, Born-Again Christmas Freak, you should give yourself a chance to enjoy this movie. Drinking is HIGHLY recommended if you are to fully enjoy this masterpiece.

What a wonderful surprise. Thank you Winston Smith for drawing this to my attention.

Definitely the 80s by canadians.

[rmccaig-79108 · 1/10 · 31 December 2020]

Refers to Disney's fort wilderness, it was the campground. The lodge only opened in 1991. So he refers to a very expensive camping stay for 1985. This is the most disturbing movie family.

Cooper's Camera Gorgeously Witty Perfectly Fit For Christmas

[Sunsphxsuns · 9/10 · 2 October 2016]

When the joyful spirit of the Christmas holiday approaches (for me, its always the day after Thanksgiving), the "lead off" film in my deep lineup of holiday movies to watch is always Cooper's Camera, AKA, Cooper's Christmas. Released in 2008, this underrated film ably directed by Warren P. Sonora could have easily been titled It's Not A Wonderful Life. It contains all of the whimsical, dark, awkward, and blatantly embarrassing nuances we've all experienced at one time or another when the pressure is on to host a civilized Christmas dinner with the relatives.

Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Mike Beaver, and the entire cast, rise to the occasion to make Cooper's Camera one of the quirkiest holiday films you'd ever want to see. Jayne Eastwood as the irascible "Nana Gert" doesn't have many lines, but what she projects through her hacking, smoker's cough, is an embodiment of pure acting perfection. Jason Jones and Mike Beaver unconsciously steal most of the scenes, mainly because their characters are allowed to behave so outrageously. Mike Beaver plays the classic holiday drunkard (his bullish tumble into the Christmas tree is like watching Buster Keaton on steroids). Jason Jones is the wistful husband who is actively engaged in a world of pure denial. Both Jones and Beaver appear to have packed on some extra pounds for this project, which, oddly enough, helps to support their absurd characters.

Filmed in Toronto, Canada, the entire movie is seen through the lens of an outdated VHS Camera that changes hands throughout the movie. But don't fret, it isn't an agonizing POV format, and you'll quickly forget that "the camera" is merely a way to enjoy the homemade feel of this tremendously funny film. If you saw this movie when it was released, and didn't like it, you probably didn't get it, or, you thought it was going to be something more appropriate for the holiday genre. Cooper's Camera is not a family film. Indeed, it's designed for a very open minded audience who will appreciate this edgy type of entertainment. And given the sheer depth of BR/DVD holiday films available for home entertainment, this little gem may suddenly find its way to the top of your holiday film list too.

funniest flic in some time...

[guringo · 9/10 · 29 December 2010]

Relentlessly funny, with scenes that I know I'll never forget, I just can't fault this movie, you tune in not expecting much and it just pummels you from start to end. This is one cult-classic sleeper hit and a whole new xmas movie tradition.

And I just have to rave over the 'piney-puke' scene, and you will too, but that had to be some story gag that never found a good home till now, because it's simply priceless...

And to Jason Jones and Mike Beaver, please, please, please, walk away, never even think 'sequel', it can't be done, and on the other hand, I so hope to see more from you guys... bravo to cast and crew,

Insightful comedy on Family Dynamics, 1980s and Christmas Holidays

[Bdixon-8 · 10/10 · 1 December 2009]

This is Laugh-out loud funny! This film affected deeply. Under the obvious veneer of slapstick comedy silliness is an insightful examination of families and holiday rituals of middle class North Americans. (Although filmed/set in Canada, there is little that would not resonate just as loudly with our Friends south of the border).

Production design is outstanding. The verisimilitude to 1985 is incredible... The level of detail was way beyond the budget of this film...

Comedy that pokes fun at a situation at ALL possible levels, and yet doesn't go too far is very rare. There is so much going on, that this film deserves a closer second look. The mannerisms, the background details, the twists of phrase, the sub-themes (with subtle set ups and thus richly rewarded pay-offs) all build to create a comedy that gets under your skin... I know, I expected to just laugh a little and not think about this again. This film dredges up memories, resonates with your perceptions of your family and your past celebrations. The fact that I was a young adult in 1985 and can vividly remember the clothes, expressions and mannerisms just makes the film more rewarding. If you were old enough to remember 1985, RUN don't walk, and see this movie.

Cooper's Camera pushes so many buttons at so many levels that it might at first glance to be a typical laugh and forget comedy. This is, in my opinion, a far deeper, richly textured film on Marrage, Family, Relationships and Holidays. You will laugh (there is antics galore) yet it will cause you to think about what is important in your relationships. Wonderfully Funny yet Warm and Touching.

Christmas Classic

[hollymclennan · 10/10 · 29 December 2010]

This movie is an instant Christmas classic!

For a little over an hour I found myself somewhere between laughing and cringing. If you remember the 80's or would have liked to - you should see this movie.

A good job by the following combined with some pretty rock solid editing made for a great film, specifically:

Mike Beaver - did an amazing job as Uncle Nick, steals the show really. Too many funny scenes to list from the tree crash to the drunk sledding

Jason Jones - was lovable as a drunken Gord Cooper and

Samantha Bee - was good as his pregnant wife

Dave Foley - although not starring in the movie, you'll see more than enough of him

Peter Keleghan - plays a hilarious (yet classy) Uncle Tim

I'd love to know where I can buy it b/c its going to be an annual movie right up there with A Christmas Story.

Loved it!

Loved this, it is now a Christmas ritual.

[lsteiner · 9/10 · 11 February 2019]

If you were an adult in the '80s, you might feel very nostalgic watching this, although you could also feel embarrassed to admit it! Anybody of any age though, that likes bit of crude and silly will love it! Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall) shows a side of himself we have never seen.

Ignore low reviews!

[ericbatsea-12174 · 10/10 · 4 January 2022]

This Christmas movie is not for the faint of heart!

I watch this movie every Christmas season and I swear it gets better each viewing.

Crude, harsh, no holds barred dysfunctional hilarity throughout! I literally laugh til I'm crying every time I watch!

One of the funniest films I have seen! GENIUS!!!

[taran0 · 9/10 · 26 November 2010]

watched this not expecting much and I have to say a much funnier film then the crap that Hollywood churns out every year.

It was original and the characters were amazingly too close to people most people are related to. Uncle nick was the funniest character of all.

Absolutely amazing film. Really enjoyed it I was rolling on the floor laughing. HILARIOUS !!! GENIUS!! compare this to "the other guys" just recently come out, and "Due date" which were massive let-downs, I would have been happier paying to watch coopers camera, because its actually funny. AWESOME!!!!