Four Christmases Review

According to the movies, the holidays are about one thing and one thing only: family values. To my recollection, there has never been a major film about a major holiday in which the main character forewent family, friends and relatives in order to spend some quality time by him or herself. In an era in which families are being redefined almost as aggressively as their values, however, it seems like it's time to see a film that reinforces the belief that marriage, kids and a domesticated lifestyle are not necessarily inevitable destinations. Four Christmases, of all populist holiday adventures, may inadvertently become the precedent-setter that changes the way the movies looks at the holidays, families and values, which is why it's a fun and fascinating if ultimately featherweight comedy - not only for the whole family, but for every kind of them.