Cast
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Matt McCoy
as Norbert Bridges
Jane Sibbett
as Madeline Bridges
Adam Ferrara
as Donnie Manning
Carol Alt
as Irene Manning
Anthony Mangano
as Humphrey
Anne Ramsay
as Claudia Walden
Kevin Dotcom Brown
as Cleveland Tyrell
Jessica Lundy
as Noelle
Vinny Vella
as Judge Jeremiah
Robert Clohessy
as Mayor
Hunter Gomez
as Kevin Bridges
Christa B. Allen
as Holly
Crew
Director
- Karl Fink
- John Dowling Jr.
Writer
- P.J. McIlvaine
Producer
- John Dowling Jr.
Reviews
r96sk
What an odd film.
Literally every inch of this film points to it being deserving of the lowest of ratings. The acting is wooden at best, the title is ill-fitting, the direction is awful and the dialogue is poor. Yet, it kinda works in a weird, basement level sorta way?
I'm not saying it's good, I didn't enjoy it, but once the credits rolled I didn't feel anything negative towards it - which is a surprise, given the aforementioned. It does everything so averagely, that it pretty much levels out to create a poor but not terrible film - at least in my opinion.
I have little to no praise of it though. Some of the humour is alright, I guess. Matt McCoy and Adam Ferrara are the 'picks' of the cast, though that's just down to process of elimination. The (UK - US have a different one?) title is slightly misleading, given only a short snippet of this has anything to do with the banning of Christmas.
Overall, <em>'The Town That Banned Christmas'</em> is all rather poor. I'm just surprised I didn't hate it.
Dec 22, 2020
Thematic Analysis
The Town That Banned Christmas represents a fascinating example of Family/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Karl Fink 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 2006, 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 The Town That Banned Christmas took approximately 8 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 120 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 111 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Town That Banned Christmas shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Big Worm, which focuses more on action than character development, The Town That Banned Christmas offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Deck the Halls and The Ref explore similar territory, The Town That Banned Christmas stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 25m
