The cast of Surviving Christmas is a sort of hodge-podge of actors/actresses. I could not have imagined ever casting them together, but it works well in the movie. It is better than the average feel-good Christmas movie, but not destined to be a classic. The comedy is well dispursed throughout, and the movie moved along at a good pace. I have seen plenty of holiday movies, but never imagined one with Ben Affleck. As a matter of fact, this is the first time I have seen an Affleck movie. (I have shunned them on purpose in the past - Well, OK, I did like Dazed and Confused). The movie, however, is entertaining, and only a few jokes fall flat. 7 out of 10 on the holiday scale.

Or is it James Gandolfini? Maybe even both ... but in this case, especially Gandolfini is responsible for the straight lead - to contrast the craziness Bens character brings into this. Very good actors involved in it, that almost make you forget how ridiculous it gets from time to time ... so much so, that if it weren't for the people in front of the camera, you might think about switching this off.

That being said, it is a "Christmas movie" that overall is jolly ... do not overthink it (it is predictable entirely I'd say) and just have fun with it. If you can that is ...

Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) is a lonely wealthy executive who tries to visit his childhood home. He finds the Valcos (James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Christina Applegate, Josh Zuckerman) living there now, and he pays them to have a fun family Christmas with.

Ben Affleck is trying too hard. He's faking it too hard. I guess it's a black comedy, but it doesn't have the edge to be one. If it's a farce, Affleck doesn't have the comedic chops to pull it off. If it's a sentimental Christmas movie, the setup is too awkward. It really can't be justified as anything more than a miss. Gandolfini and O'Hara actually can't find any laughs which is a tough feat for O'Hara. At least, Applegate gives the movie a small amount of heart. But I can't figure out Affleck in this.