A christmas tale to a mini series

There is just something about Reece Whiterspoon that lights me up. On the outside, she’s got the appropriate, good girl look, but she often plays characters that have a bit of depth. In Four Christmases, she uncovers a more authentic version of herself. The movie is laid out in a Christmases of past like Ebenezer Scrooge. When we are able to view our lives and the different versions we could have explored, we are open to a whole new possibility of who we could be today. There is a comedy, and at times the almost too silly kind of comedy, that reminds me of the caramel that sticks to my teeth.

The family often provides a lens that is only available within this petri dish. Flaws and all, I am trespassing on territory here that is vast and highly individual. In the ideal world, your highest and best is looked out for and cherished. This, unfortunately, is not always the case. In this movie, I feel like the family dynamics might reflect more accurately the American family.

There is a love-hate vibe running throughout and a relatable how can I get away from them. White lies litter the plot like a popular picnic area.

There is an endearing feeling watching these people that know me best which might just be the longest mistaken for the best, inside of me there may be a gem of who I really am that gets uncovered amidst the disfunction. In the way, only a Hollywood movie can capture the perfect alchemy of insights, humor, and romance to pull out the knowledge that lives within.

The genuine Reese speaks up for what she has newly discovered and could risk losing everything she has.

If you liked this movie, then I recommend sliding over to this show, Sweet Magnolia, it is on Netflix and has 8 episodes, leaving a clip hanger on the last episode.

The show Sweet Magnolias has that same small town feel that Reece embodies regardless of her role, although this one there is more genuine of a feel and an emphasis on friendships as the support, instead of the dysfunctional family in the Christmas movie.

Whether it be friends that become family, or family that supports one authentically - this show shows the love that is needed to thrive. Three girlfriends who grew up together in this small town bond together and make a point to show up and listen, really listen to one another. There is a magic in that alone, an idyllic bond that may be to most is only something they have witnessed in movies, shows, or books.

It is light-hearted, though there are bumps along the way. I like the way the mother, the redhead - responds to her husband's infidelity, and how to survive her own feelings about this betrayal, never mind the feelings of their three children. Relatable to me the shame she feels walking around this small town with people gossiping about her and her now ex-husband, and how we only know her true struggle because she shares it with her friends.

There is that social media feel, on the outside each of these three women seems to have their life's put together and "living their best lives" or #blessed, but as they “pour it out” their code word for having margaritas and sharing what’s happening behind the scenes is when we the viewers also have the impression that they have problems in their lives too. I found it interesting and relatable to watch how she has to learn how to parent with a person who is not used to considering anyone else’s view. How she finds her way into a new romance without really looking. There is comic relief in the way the characters' problems weave together. The weaving of characters and stories is entertaining, a good watch after I have put the kids to bed and am just unwinding from the day.