This Christmas (2007) Loretta Devine, Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Regina King

An old-fashioned family Christmas in a hip-hop generation.

The dark opening nightclub scene in This Christmas does not shout ‘holiday comedy’ or ‘Christmas movie’. However, once we are transported to Ma’Dere’s (Loretta Devine) cheerful house all of that changes. This large family has not been together for Christmas in four years and Ma’Dere is determined to make this holiday one the family will not forget. Loretta Devine brings spirit, warmth and believability to her strong matriarch character.

The Whitfield family is like most families when the get together, they are noisy, they bond again, talk a lot, and tease one another. And like many families, they have secrets. Ma’Dere has a couple of secrets of her own. These are open secrets that five of her children know and accept . Each of them has kept their mother’s secret from Quentin the eldest sibling.

There are so many story avenues in The Christmas the film could have become confusing. However, the intertwined stories work like a charm and you soon find yourself caught up in family drama. Big brother Quentin arrives with his secret and trouble hot on his heels, but the biggest secret may be the one that Ma’Dere’s military son holds close. Even Michael, the youngest son, whom everyone calls “Baby”, has a secret. He has ambitions of becoming a singer, but fears his mother’s disapproval. Talented hip-hop singer Chris Brown portrays Michael nicely. Daughter Lisa (Regina King) who appears to be living the American dream has her own secret. At some point while watching This Christmas you begin to care about this family. As their problems and troubles are unveiled, you hope for the best.

It would seem that it is Ma’Dere who is glue that holds this lively family together and of course, she does. But it is her boyfriend, Joseph (Delroy Lindo) who quietly stands by to mend and soothe, and take care of Ma’Dere and her children.

There are several scenes that tug at the heartstrings, and one very funny cheating husband bathroom scene. I left the movie theater smiling. I felt weepy, but uplifted. And I left convinced that This Christmas is definitely a “feel good” Christmas film. It may even stand the test of time.

Others in This Christmas are Keith Robinson Laz Alonso, Columbus Short, David, Banner, Sharon Leal, Lauren London, Lupe Ontiveros and Jessica Stroup.