Happy Christmas (2014)

After a break up, Jenny moves in with writer Kelly, her filmmaker husband, and their child. Despite a rocky start, Jenny's influence helps Kelly realize that an evolution in her life, career and relationship is necessary for her happiness.

Director:

Joe Swanberg

Writer:

Joe Swanberg

Stars:

Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anna Kendrick	...	Jenny
Melanie Lynskey	...	Kelly
Mark Webber	...	Kevin
Lena Dunham	...	Carson
Joe Swanberg	...	Jeff
Jude Swanberg	...	Jude
Chris Swanson	...	Music Supervisor
Eldar Kim	...	Cab Driver
Megan Mercier	...	Party Host
Chris Renton	...	Party Makeout Guy
Kris Rey	...	Landlord (as Kris Swanberg)
Jessica Angelos	...	Party Guest
Mike Brune	...	Party Guest
Harry Burton	...	Party Guest
Tony Castro	...	Party Guest

Storyline

Irresponsible 20-something Jenny arrives in Chicago to live with her older brother Jeff, a young film-maker living a happy existence with his novelist wife Kelly and their two-year-old son. Jenny's arrival shakes up their quiet domesticity as she and her friend Carson instigate an evolution in Kelly's life and career. Meanwhile, Jenny strikes up a rocky relationship with the family's baby sitter-cum-pot dealer.

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Plot Keywords:

alcoholic | family relationships | written by director | husband wife relationship | toddler | 

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Taglines:

Family is the gift that keeps on taking.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, drug use and some sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Anna Kendrick and Mark Webber were also both in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010).

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Quotes

Carson: I think you're so pretty. It's like you're *a lot* prettier than you feel like you are.

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Connections

References Braveheart (1995)

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Soundtracks

On the Road
Written and Performed by J. Thoven
Courtesy of the artist

User Reviews

You will love or hate it.

OK it's mumblecore. You knew that before you hit the pay button. What did you expect? There is no script. It is actors improvising trying to be natural and create real drama out of pure inspiration. It's an interesting idea at least, especially for actors I imagine. You are not going to get bloody Shakespeare are you. But what you do get is a real sense of being present in the lives of the people involved. I feel like I know Joe Swanberg, or the gorgeous wife, or Lena Dunham... but most of all, and praise be to Jesus, it's like I know Anna Kendrick. She gives a superb performance of a very funny dysfunctional character with some very funny scenes and for me it was worth it just to watch her. The baby is hilarious too. It's about as entertaining as watching a real family fight going on if you are just a spectator. But hey, sometimes that is a lot of fun.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 June 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

Happy Christmas

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$70,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,523, 27 July 2014

Gross USA:

$30,312

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,312

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lucky Coffee Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1