Genre: Comedy
Director: John Whitesell
Starring: Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis, Kristin Chenoweth, Alia Shawkat, Sabrina Aldridge, Kelly Aldridge
RunTime: 1 hr 35 mins
Released By: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG
Opening Day: 30 November 2006

Synopsis :

A family comedy about one-upsmanship, jealousy, clashing neighbors, home decoration…and the true spirit of the holidays. Steve (Matthew Broderick), a suburban dad and Christmas enthusiast, leads a well-ordered, well-planned, and well-organized life. His new neighbor, Danny (Danny DeVito), is Steve’s polar opposite: a big personality with big dreams, which have yet to materialize. But Danny’s latest dream -- to create the biggest holiday light display in the world, visible from outer space – is turning Steve’s disciplined world into a chaotic nightmare. As Danny’s home explodes with festive lights of incredible design, increasing complexity, and exponentially-growing wattage, Steve becomes a man on a mission. At any cost, he will thwart Danny – or top him.

Movie Review:

Have you prepare your list of “Things To Buy” for the coming festive season? Turkey, presents, Christmas tree, decorations, greeting cards and how about adding a pair of “Deck the Halls” tickets to your list as well?

This feel good comedy stars Matthew Broderick (Finch) and Danny DeVito (Hall) as what else, two competitive neighbors trying to outdo each other in the festive season. Finch is the old school, Christmas loving folk whose Christmas antics is incurring the wrath of his children and wife as the years go. Hall is a car salesman by day and at night, he’s set to bombard his house with massive amount of glowing Christmas decos so that it will be visible from space.

It’s the clash of the egos as these two grown-up men embark on the silliest ways to get on each other nerves. Perhaps there might be some truth to it that some men are willing to go at lengths to outwit another guy in reality. You see, there will always be someone around us making statements such as “I suppose my new SUV is spacious than yours” or “I’m sure my vintage Star Wars collection is worth more than yours”. To the ladies, these might be some generic harmless statements but definitely not to the guys.

By taking a step further, the screenwriters and director John Whitesell (“Big Momma House 2”) concoct a hilarious story plotline (might be lame at times though) and most of all, a really impressive display of technical abilities by the crew.

Because of Hall’s inexorable appetite for more lights, the crew has to build a LED video wall that wrapped around the house, in addition the lights have to synchronize with George Clinton’s soundtrack. An impressive feat which I feel our local authorities might be interested to duplicate at Orchard Road.

“Deck the Halls” will never be forgotten down the road, not for winning the Oscars of course but for the simple Christmas cheer and festive joys it dispensed in the movie. Next Christmas, remember to include “Deck the Halls” dvd into your shopping list or you can wait for the countless re-runs on TV when it comes near to...Christmas time.

Movie Rating:

(If you look forward to soak in the Christmas mood every year, you will enjoy “Deck the Halls”)

Review by Linus Tee