Christmas with the Kranks

Christmas with the Kranks is a 2004 American Christmas comedy film based on the 2001 novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. It was directed by Joe Roth with a screenplay by Chris Columbus, and stars Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, Erik Per Sullivan, Cheech Marin, Jake Busey, and M. Emmet Walsh. The plot revolves around a couple who decide to skip Christmas one year since their daughter is away, much to the chagrin of their neighbors. However, their plans are changed when their daughter phones them to tell them that shes coming home for Christmas. This is Tom Postons final film before his death in 2007.

The Kranks are amazed to discover they are considered pariahs as a result of their decision. Luthers coworkers think he has become Ebenezer Scrooge when he gives all his employees letters that state about his Christmas boycott, local stationer Aubie is distressed to lose the couples order for their engraved greeting cards and Christmas Eve party invitations, the Boy Scout troop is upset and angered when the Kranks refuse to purchase one of their Christmas trees to help the scouts make enough money for a camporee, and the police are stunned to discover they wont be buying this years calendar from them. Most vocal in their objections are neighbors Vic Frohmeyer Dan Aykroyd and Walt Scheel M. Emmet Walsh. Vic, whos the unelected leader of the street, organizes a campaign to force the Kranks to decorate their home so Hemlock Street wont lose the coveted award for best decorations. Walt doesnt seem to like Luther, so his efforts are primarily personal. However, it is revealed that Walts wife Bev is suffering from cancer, perhaps dampening his holiday spirits. Children picket, led by Vics son Spike Erik Per Sullivan, neighbors constantly call, and Christmas carolers try to revive the Kranks holiday spirit by singing on their lawn which Luther stops by freezing his front lawn. Even the newspaper gets into the act by publishing a front page story complete with a photograph of the unlit Krank house and states that the Kranks street has lost the prize and won sixth place because of how Luther and Nora refused to decorate their house. Still, Luther and Nora continue to stand their ground.The two are in the process of packing on Christmas Eve morning when they receive a call from Blair, who announces shes at Miami International Airport, en route home with her Peruvian fianc as a surprise for her parents. Shes anxious to introduce Enrique to her familys holiday traditions, and when she asks if theyre having their usual party that night, a panicked Nora says yes. Comic chaos ens

Source: Wikipedia