Where I Watched It: Amazon

English Audio Description?: Yes

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Nick Offerman, Chris Redd, Timothy Simons, Ken Marino, and David Alan Grier.

Written By: Kelly Younger

Directed By: Reginald Hudlin

I saw Amazon had something called candy Cane Lane, and i just assumed it was some random Christmas movie garbage starring people who starred on a TV show 30 years ago. Then, I found out it starred Eddie Murphy, and everything changed. While this isn’t a great new classic, it has so much potential as a film, and it’s great to have Eddie Murphy back. I just wish this had a better script.

Conceptually, I love the idea of having to battle the physical manifestations of the 12 Days of Christmas song. Sadly, it is wrapped up in a Christmas light fight, which has been used so many times over the years, even in TV sitcoms. Notably, Deck The Halls with Danny Devito is basically just this premise. And, the names in this family are also… a bit much. Joy, Holly, and Nick are the names of the main kids. Not to mention, Murphy plays someone named Chris Carver. It’s all a bit much. Luckily, he’s been given Tracee Ellis Ross to bounce things off, and I like that she’s a bit closer to being age appropriate, and Halle bailey isn’t playing Murphy’s wife or something. Some of these age gaps in films…

but, the concept, and having two very talented leads isn’t actually enough to make this movie good. It’s even more disappointing, because unlike other films where you can see it never really had a shot, this film actually had a spark of creativity to begin with, it just had no idea what to do with that. Jillian Bell turns in her most forgettable performance as a grumpy elf trying to teach life lessons. Bell has been good in other things, and she’s totally wasted here.

It’s a film that I would say if you are a fan of either Murphy or Ross, just prepare yourself, but watch anyway. They’re both good. Not great, but Murphy at least has been in much much worse. And, it is kinda fun to see how the magic of the film plays out, but I can’t help but think a better script, or director, could have really complimented this film. It doesn’t feel like Amazon shortchanged the budget. The problem is just that it never comes together like it should.

Audio description here highlights all the magic of the twist, with the 12 Days coming to life. And little details too, because Murphy’s Carver is all about realism, as we see him carving a candy cane, while his neighbor is all about the blow up stuff in his yard. I thought the audio description was nice, and considering what the movie is presenting, I wouldn’t have enjoyed this without it. Animals in the pool requires description, not just gasps from the cast.

I just wanted more. And, it’s been a few days now since I’ve seen it, and it’s not trending in a more positive direction like some films do. It sits almost like a greasy fast food meal. not great. And, honestly, it’s because I love the premise, I just think it’s poorly executed.

Final Grade: C+