Cooper's Christmas

Cooper's Christmas is a 2008 Canadian comedy film, an untraditional Yule-themed black comedic take on the holiday season, brought to life by an ensemble cast including Boyd Banks, Jennifer Baxter, and Mike Beaver. Directed by Warren P. Sonoda, this film blends the holiday cheer with a unique sense of humor, creating a uniquely entertaining experience.

The film is set in the cozy backdrop of the 1980's suburbia, where the Cooper family consists of patriarch Gord Cooper (Boyd Banks), his wife Nancy (Jennifer Baxter), and their three children. The narrative of this Christmas movie is presented in a first-hand view through the lens of a VHS video camera, a hot new technology of the time. This adds an interesting documentary-style twist to the storytelling, giving more depth and a different perspective to the viewers.

Gord Cooper, an enthusiastic albeit jobless father, is the epitome of optimism, always looking at the bright side. For Christmas, he delights in presenting his family with presents that are procured from the local convenience store, owing to their tight budget. The beauty of this film lies in the depiction of Christmas' essential spirit via a family who doesn't have much in materialistic terms but has an abundance of love and understanding for one another.

Jennifer Baxter, known for her comedic timing, plays her part as the quirky matriarch Nancy with aplomb, beautifully complementing Banks' character with her charm. Their chemistry adds a lot of humor and warmth to the narrative. The escapades of the three Cooper children further add to the fun, bringing innocent mirth and unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments to the movie.

Mike Beaver makes a memorable impression as the obnoxious and hilarious Uncle Nick, who pays an unexpected visit. Led by his character's eccentricities, the movie takes amusing twists and turns, creating an array of mind-boggling sequences and funny moments that make the film memorable.

However, Cooper's Christmas isn't just about the laughs. It incorporates dramatic cues that give the characters and the narrative a meaningful depth. The film deftly tackles the topics of familial bonds, the magic and stress of the holiday season, financial struggles, and the efforts of parents to ensure their children have a perfect holiday, despite their own personal woes.

In addition, the 80's setting lends the comedy a nostalgic facet, and the production design artfully recreates the era's quintessential details - the fashion, the home décor, the neighbourhood, and, of course, the VHS camera, a significant period technology.

The soundtrack, filled with vintage sounds and Christmas classics, adds a cozy holiday feeling while juxtaposing the humorous upheavals on the screen. The music prompts laughter and sets the emotional tone simultaneously – a testament to the careful sound design and scoring of the movie.

In Cooper's Christmas, top-notch performances from the ensemble cast are a highlight. Each character is relatable on some level, and their flawed yet earnest attempts at maintaining holiday cheer are both sweet and funny. Boyd's portrayal of the jovial yet desperate Gord, Baxter's depiction of the supportive and loving Nancy, and Beaver's outrageous Uncle Nick keep the audience engaged and entertained.

Despite being primarily a comedy, Cooper’s Christmas subtly reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas – it’s not about opulence or grandeur, but love, happiness, family, and making the best of what we have. The film strikes a balance between Christmas sentimentality and uproarious comedy that makes it a must-watch holiday flick.

Overall, Cooper's Christmas is a breath of fresh air in the holiday movie genre, complete with hilarity, warmth, and a nostalgic 80's charm. It celebrates the mess and joy of a family Christmas, with humor and heart shining through. For those looking for a hearty laugh this Christmas season, with a little feelings of nostalgia, Cooper's Christmas is an excellent choice.