Picture this: a holiday movie that promises the joy of Christmas but delivers a stocking full of disappointment. Welcome to the chaotic world of “A Bad Moms Christmas,” where festive cheer takes a back seat to raunchy humor and slapdash sequel antics.

As you unwrap this jumbled present of a film, you’ll find yourself wishing for the simplicity and charm of its predecessor, “Bad Moms.” The critical consensus hits the nail on the head – this sequel may bring twice the moms but only half the laughs. It’s like getting two lumps of coal instead of one in your stocking!

• Plot:

In this installment, our favorite trio of bad moms – Amy, Kiki, and Carla – are back, navigating the chaos of Christmas with their own mothers in tow. What ensues is a whirlwind of questionable choices, hilarious mishaps, and heartwarming moments amidst the holiday madness.

• Themes and Tone:

The film delves into themes of mother-daughter relationships, the pressures of perfection during the holidays, and the importance of letting loose and embracing imperfection. However, amidst these heartfelt moments are crass jokes and over-the-top scenarios that sometimes miss the mark.

• Acting and Characters:

Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn along with their on-screen moms played by Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon deliver solid performances that elevate the material. Their chemistry shines through despite the film’s shortcomings.

• Direction:

The direction feels rushed at times, with scenes jumping from one comedic set piece to another without allowing for moments to breathe. While it captures the chaos of holiday preparations, it lacks finesse in tying all these elements together seamlessly.

• Cinematography and Production Design:

The festive aesthetics are on point with colorful decorations and twinkling lights creating a cozy Christmas atmosphere. The production design successfully immerses viewers in a winter wonderland setting that adds to the holiday spirit.

• Special Effects:

While not heavily reliant on special effects, some comedic sequences benefit from subtle visual enhancements that enhance the humor. From outrageous stunts to exaggerated characters, these effects add an extra layer of entertainment.

• Editing and Pace:

The pacing can feel frenetic at times as scenes transition quickly between emotional beats and comedic gags. Tight editing keeps the energy high but may leave audiences wanting more depth in character development and plot progression.

• Score:

The musical score complements the holiday theme with cheerful tunes that underscore key moments effectively. From classic Christmas carols to upbeat tracks that capture the spirit of celebration, the soundtrack adds an extra layer of fun to the film.

Binge-watching Tips: Grab your favorite holiday drink (alcoholic or not) before settling in to watch “A Bad Moms Christmas.” It might just make some scenes funnier or more bearable!

If you’re looking for a festive comedy with a dash of irreverence and a sprinkle of heartwarming moments, “A Bad Moms Christmas” might just hit the spot. Despite its flaws and missed opportunities for deeper storytelling, it offers enough laughs to make it a decent choice for a girls’ night in or a solo movie marathon during the holidays.

In conclusion, “A Bad Moms Christmas” may not be perfect but it serves up enough laughs and feel-good moments to entertain audiences seeking light-hearted holiday fare. So grab your favorite snacks (and maybe some eggnog), gather your own mom squad or fly solo like a true bad mom rebel – just don’t forget to lower your expectations before hitting play!

Your Rating: 6/10