Christopher Vernon
When Chris (Eddie Murphy) is laid off from his high-paying corporate job, he is desperate to win a home-decorating contest.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.
“Candy Cane Lane”
Starring: Eddie Murphy
My December tradition is to watch only Christmas movies, that is when I have time to do my strictly at-home viewing. Some older classics that rewind into my catalogue year after year tend to be “A Christmas Carol” starring George C. Scott, “Prancer,” “Home Alone” (1&2), “A Christmas Story,” and of course “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with the legendary Chevy Chase, who was just at our very own Kirby Center this week.
This year there is something new to add to the bunch with the brand-new release of “Candy Cane Lane” on Prime starring (don’t hate me for saying) relative Hollywood has-been Eddie Murphy (“Coming To America”). Yes, I am a rebel without a “clause,” I mean cause!
Recently laid off from his high-paying corporate job, Chris (Eddie Murphy) must pull in some holiday cash, and quick. He is determined, and need I say desperate, to win his neighborhood’s annual home decorating contest, with the grand prize being $100,000. Also starring Tracee Ellis Ross (Tv’s “Black-ish”) as Chris’s wife Carol, and Jillian Bell (“Brittany Runs a Marathon”) playing Pepper, who steals the whole show as a devious elf who casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life. So, before you get your tinsel in a tangle thinking this one is just for kids, make no mistake, “Candy Cane Lane” is a more than enjoyable tale, one the entire family can enjoy!
I didn’t expect to enjoy this yuletide film as much as I did to be honest, and that was before I even poured any spiked egg nog. So, take my word for it, treat your “elf,” I mean self, to a viewing of this cutesy, warm comedy filled with a satchel of belly laughs. The special effects in this are quite impressive to the eye, and not presented slapstick like some of Eddie’s more frequent work. I promise watching this you’ll have about as much fun as that year Mrs. Claus substituted for her hubby Saint Nick when he came down with the flu! Well, we won’t go there I am very aware this is a family publication but all I will say is boy, was she a lot of woman, Oy Vey! She really knows how to sleigh! I will give her that. With that declaration being admitted, a very warm Merry Christmas from me to you and yours.
Christopher’s “Meow” Score: “7” paws out of 10.
Christopher Vernon is a proud NEPA resident and award winning writer and author. He began writing film reviews on his page ‘The Movie Meow’ since 2018. His favorite two films of all time are ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby.’ And of course you guessed it, Chris adores cats.