Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays
by Jodie Foster

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DVD Cover Information

• Condition: New
• Format: DVD
• Anamorphic; Closed-captioned; Color; DVD; Subtitled; Widescreen; NTSC

Movie Reviews of Home for the Holidays

Movie Review: Jodie Foster Takes You Home
Summary: 5 Stars

Suffice to say that Claudia does a pretty good job of figuring it all out in the end, and along the way the audience has a lot to be thankful for, as well, beginning with this warm and insightful film which Jodie Foster delivers in grand style. Working from a clever screenplay by W.D. Richter (adapted from the short story by Chris Radant), Foster really hits the mark with this one as she presents some characters to whom absolutely everyone watching will be able to identify and relate in one way or another. Sitting down to dinner with Claudia and her family is like being at home with your own, and I guarantee you're going to recognize these people. And the real success of the film lies in the way Foster is able to open up her characters and get them to externalize those inner-most feelings, those things we all think and feel but rarely find a way or a chance to express. It's like being able to take a step back, observe, and say, "Yeah! That's it! I've been there!" All of which proves what an eye for detail and what insight into human nature Foster possesses. A lot of credit has to go to Richter and Radant, of course, but it's Foster who really hits the nail on the head and drives it home. With a sensitive and intelligent approach, she manages to take the underlying drama of the story and blend it with the kind of humor that underscores the reality of the situation; and believe me, unless you're from the planet K-PAX, this is one that's really going to hit home with you on any number of levels.

To be sure, Foster had a great cast with which to bring her vision to fruition here. Holly Hunter does a tremendous job of conveying that angst of being torn between being thankful for this time with her erratic family and just wanting to run for the exit; it's that ying and yang of life that we've all experienced, and Hunter captures it perfectly. She plays Claudia in such a way that-- gender aside-- watching her is like seeing your own reflection in a mirror; it's so very real, and whether or not you like what you see this is someone you're going to embrace, because you'll readily discover all of the emotional complexities of your own life embodied in her. Hunter brings a strong and subtle reality to the part, and it's the anchor of the film.

Also giving a strong performance, though less than subtle, is Robert Downey Jr., who makes Tommy a character you're either going to love or hate, depending upon your own personal experience and frame of reference. Which ever way you go, however, you're going to have to appreciate what Downey brings to this film. He fairly bursts upon the scene and the screen with an energy that would make that famous bunny enviable and pale by comparison. And let's face it, every family has a Tommy, and for that matter a Joanne, as well, whom Stevenson brings to life with acuity. And one of the strengths of this film is the very real way in which the relationship between the siblings is presented; chalk up another point for Foster, as well as for the gifted actors portraying them.

And enough cannot be said about how much Bancroft and Durning bring to this film. With terrific performances that successfully avoid any semblance of stereotype, they give definition to an entire generation and bring a perspective to this story that is invaluable. The film acknowledges that these are flawed, but very real people, from her bunions to his pot-belly, and it's refreshingly real to see it portrayed as such on screen.

Excellent, as well, in supporting roles are David Strathairn (Russell), Austin Pendleton (Peter) and especially Dylan McDermott as Leo Fish. "Home for the Holidays" is definitely a keeper; the magic of the movies.

Summary of Home for the Holidays