Brad and Kate have made something of an art form out of avoiding their families during the holidays, but this year their foolproof plan is about go bust -- big time. Stuck at the city airport after all departing flights are canceled, the couple is embarrassed to see their ruse exposed to the world by an overzealous television reporter. Now, Brad and Kate are left with precious little choice other than to swallow their pride and suffer the rounds.
Seems intent on being as generic and lowbrow as possible, with broad slapstick emphasized over witty dialogue or interesting characters.
– Eric D. Snider,
Film.com,
27 Nov 2008
rotten:
Oh, the hilarity of hating your family at the holidays.
– Ben Lyons,
At the Movies,
2 Dec 2008
rotten:
Didn't quite get over the hump.
– Ben Mankiewicz,
At the Movies,
2 Dec 2008
rotten:
Gordon's stars are charmless, his script cheerless, and his sterling supporting cast can't seem to figure out what they've been brought on board to do.
– Bob Mondello,
NPR,
2 Dec 2008
fresh:
This is marginally better than most, with a few offbeat comic ideas, a reliably droll performance from Vaughn, and, as the parents, four watchable old troupers in search of a fat paycheck.