Cup of Cheer

Cup of Cheer is an odd yet amusing holiday movie that hit the entertainment world in 2020. Directed and written by comedy-connoisseur Jake Horowitz, this film offers a unique spin on the quintessential holiday love story. Serving up heaping spoonfuls of humor, satire, and naughty playfulness alongside a festive holiday backdrop, Cup of Cheer is likely to appeal to those who prefer their yuletide experiences with a liberal dash of laughter.

The movie stars Storm Steenson, Alexander Oliver, and Liam Marshall. Each artist brings refreshing performances to the screen, using their undeniable chemistry to bring their dynamic characters to life. Specifically, Steenson stands out with her charm and comic timing, playing the role of a big-city reporter with an admirably visible commitment.

Cup of Cheer opens with Mary (Storm Steenson), a successful journalist based in the city, who decides to return to her charming small-town roots in Snowy Heights for the holiday season. The goal? To dig up an engaging Christmas article for her demanding boss. With a warm innocence and endearing optimism, Mary arrives in Snowy Heights and soon stumbles upon Cup of Cheer, a lovably quaint coffee-shop-come-gift-shop.

At the helm of Cup of Cheer is Chris (Alexander Oliver), a charismatic and perpetually cheerful town heartthrob. Chris is presented as an over-the-top stereotype of a hallmark protagonist - beautiful, kind, and conveniently single. Much of the humor is derived from Chris's exaggerated innocence and efforts to maintain the Christmas spirit despite his bind - losing Cup of Cheer.

As the film progresses, the romance between Mary and Chris grows - the love story is predictably sweet, but the charm lies in its deliberate cheesiness. The blossoming romance is offset by a flurry of wacky, slapstick humor and over-the-top comedic performances. One such performance includes Liam Marshall, who steals many scenes as Chris's absurd and laughable brother, Keith.

The comedic energy of Cup of Cheer doesn't stop with the primary cast. The unique supporting cast of exaggerated small-town locals inject a dose of wholesome humor throughout the movie. Snowy Heights brims with eccentric characters - a lovable yet aloof mayor, a mentally unhinged mailman, and a sled-full of simple schoolchildren to name a few.

What sets Cup of Cheer apart is its conscious decision to parody the countless clichés of conventional Christmas romance stories. Horowitz packs his film with heavy-handed irony, blatant tropes, and sly nods to classic holiday film scenarios. All of this is done with a playful tone that lends the film an air of self-awareness; it knows exactly what it is - a spry satirical comedy wrapped up in Christmas decorations.

Notably, Cup of Cheer also excels in its technical competency. The top-notch cinematography captures the beautiful, idyllic township of Snowy Heights, giving it a fairy-tale-like charm. Further, the soundtrack, filled with quirky holiday tunes, adds an extra layer of charm to the overall atmosphere.

The humor in Cup of Cheer ranges from relentlessly silly to clever and deadpan. It requires viewers to be prepared for absurd segues and a heavy dose of tongue-in-cheek comedy. As such, the film isn’t for everyone, but is a perfect fit for those who appreciate a good satire and love to find humor in the tropes of classic holiday stories.

In conclusion, Cup of Cheer is not your typical Christmas movie. Instead, it is a comedy that skillfully satirizes the clichés of holiday films, asking viewers to find humor and cheer in the most preposterous aspects of the holiday season. So, if you're looking for an unconventional seasonal film that keeps the laughs coming as consistently as it keeps the snow falling, Cup of Cheer should be your pick for the holidays.