
In a season filled with blockbusters and awards hopefuls, “Love the Coopers” deserves a very special recognition: This all-star comedy takes elements from every “dysfunctional family coming together for the holidays” movie ever made, combining them into one, large fruitcake…that’s as hard as a rock.
If you’re expecting some holiday cheer from this star-studded effort, think again. There’s very little love on display in “Love the Coopers”, but plenty of pain. We’ve got the main couple, played by Diane Keaton and John Goodman, on the verge of a divorce after 40 years of marriage. A son, played by Ed Helms, who’s lost his job and can’t afford to buy presents for his kids. Oh yeah, he’s also divorced. How about the daughter who’s forced to bring home a fake boyfriend for the holidays so the other family members won’t feel sorry for her? And she’s also having an affair with a married man. This storyline (featuring Olivia Wilde and Jake Lacy) gets the most screen time and is the most interesting, though only because of the likeability of the two actors, and not their actual characters or wildly-predictable situation.
There’s the lonely sister played by Marisa Tomei who’s a criminal and becomes involved with police officer Anthony Mackie. “Nebraska”’s delightful June Squibb somehow got roped-into playing the senile old Aunt. And finally, nothing says festive fun like a young woman looking to start anew inspired by the wise ol’ grandpa of the family. Amanda Seyfried and Alan Arkin, as longtime waitress and her devoted customer, play-out this awkward relationship as best they can.
It’s hard to understand how a movie like “Love the Coopers” got made. If I laughed or smiled at all it was in sheer disbelief of what I was witnessing. At least director Jessie Nelson didn’t play favorites, instead making sure each actor has their own embarrassing scene or two…or three. We get both the uncomfortable Christmas Carol sing-along and cringe-inducing family dancing exhibition – in a hospital cafeteria. Plus, the obligatory dysfunctional dinner table drama. At times it felt like I was watching “December: Osage County”. Nelson also plays mind tricks with weird, unexpected flashbacks and visions, I’m guessing just to keep the audience from dozing-off.
The story, which is set in Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve is narrated by a Hollywood legend who’s barely recognizable and only named in the closing credits. That’s his early Christmas present, getting to stay as far away from this holiday disaster as possible. You should do the same.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Love the Coopers” gets a D.
Running Time: 107 min.