Cast
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Crew
Director
- Paul A. Kaufman
Writer
- Donald Martin
Reviews
r96sk
Fine Xmas viewing.
<em>'Christmas Homecoming'</em> is as cheesy and predictable as you'd expect, but that's not a negative as long as they execute events well - which this does. It has solid performances from the seemingly always likeable Julie Benz and co-star Michael Shanks, while it also features a satisfactorily hearty and warm plot.
Dec 2, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Christmas Homecoming examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Paul A. Kaufman 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, 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 Homecoming took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 107 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christmas Homecoming shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Heartbreak Ridge, which focuses more on action than character development, Christmas Homecoming subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Just Friends and Breaking Surface explore similar territory, Christmas Homecoming 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 18, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
