Many times, the small screen imitates the big screen. For Hallmark's take on Christmas with the Kranks, check out the new release, Haul Out the Holly. And no, before you start cringing, the heroine's name isn't Holly. Lacey Chabert plays Emily, a woman who returns to the sanctuary of her childhood home to heal from a break-up over Christmas. Only, her parents have taken off on a spontaneous Florida vacation and have refused to stay behind to lend emotional support. At first, I thought they knew their daughter so well, their abandonment was one giant "recovery plan": by making her focus on the Christmas spirit, she'd forget about her broken heart and find herself. But no, they just went on vacation. Another plot point I found confusing: if Lacey wanted to be left alone over the holiday and not get immersed in cheer and festivities, why did she return to her small hometown that has an entire HOA dedicated to Christmas decorations and traditions? Did she really think she pass December by without a wreath or tree?

Haul Out the Holly has a very modern style of humor, so not everyone will be laughing until their sides hurt. The under-30 crowd probably will, as it has a theme that's very popular with the "young folks": make fun of rich, white people. Set in a wealthy Utah suburb, the bulk of the humor is dedicated to poking fun of HOA rules and the strictness of "Christmas cheer quotas". One woman bursts into hysterical sobs when she wins a cookie contest, one man measures the height of a nutcracker to see if it's up to the neighborhood standards, and there's a "Team Kringle" secret society that comes with a Santa hat, striped walkie talkie, and underground initiation.

If you're laughing at those little examples, you'll love this movie. If you've ever lived among a strict HOA and found it ridiculous, you'll be glad to release some tension and laugh at your former (or current) neighbors. I was very happy to see some familiar faces in the supporting cast. While everyone will look forward to "Ned Ryerson" (Stephen Tobolowsky) playing one of the gung-ho neighbors, I was thrilled to recognize Walter Platz, whom I watch every year in one of my favorite Hallmarks, Switched for Christmas. Honestly, he was the highlight of the movie for me. Give this over-the-top Christmas comedy a try, especially if you're watching it with your adult children who will probably love it.