Cast
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Francia Raísa
as Tara Bell
Mike Mizanin
as Mike
Will Greenberg
as James
April Telek
as Gale Bell
Michael Hanus
as Hawk Bell
Scott Patey
as Bones
Aleks Paunovic
as Manucci
Chelan Simmons
as Liz
Keith Dallas
as Leopold
Malcolm Stewart
as Gray Ballantine
Karen Kruper
as Dina Ballantine
Jessica Harmon
as Jessica the Bartender
Sean Quan
as Bobby
James Yi
as Bobby’s Father
Natalie Gibson
as Bobby’s Mother
Crew
Director
- Gil Junger
Writer
- Claudia Grazioso
- Andrew Black
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/TV Movie film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Christmas Bounty distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Gil Junger brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Christmas Bounty took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 73 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christmas Bounty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree, which focuses more on action than character development, Christmas Bounty subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Special Sesame Street Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas explore similar territory, Christmas Bounty stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 26, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 13m
