Just Another Christmas

Just Another Christmas, released in 2020 and directed by Roberto Santucci, is a heartwarming Brazilian comedy film that cleverly intermingles humor, family drama and the magic of the Christmas season. The film stars Leandro Hassum, Elisa Pinheiro, and Arianne Botelho, who deliver remarkable performances that carry the story along with ease and charm.

At first glance, Just Another Christmas feels like anything but just another holiday-themed movie. Instead, it presents a unique concept, offering a refreshing perspective apropos the Christmas season and life at large. It's a story that pays homage to the timeless film, “Groundhog Day,” but with a distinctive holiday spin. The blend of Christmas magic and the repetitive monotony that the protagonist experiences creates a captivating amalgam of comedy, drama and the essence of the Yuletide season.

Leandro Hassum, a popular Brazilian actor and comedian, profoundly embodies the character of Jorge, a Christmas-hating, grumpy family man. Jorge is stuck in the logistical hitches that come with the holiday season – the overwhelming rush of shopping, the compulsive decorating, and the seemingly never-ending family gatherings. He despises the holiday with a passion, yearning every year for once to escape all the festivities.

The plot serves a magical twist when, one fateful Christmas Eve, Jorge falls off the roof while setting up a Santa decoration and gets knocked unconscious. He wakes up, only to find that it's Christmas again – a whole year later. Unable to recall anything from the past year, Jorge is terribly confused and frightened. His puzzlement turns into horror when he realizes that he is stuck in a time loop, bound to relive Christmas Day over and over again, skipping all the other 364 days of the year.

As the storyline progresses, the repetitious Christmas celebrations serve as a backdrop for a journey of personal growth and the discovery of the worth of second chances for Jorge. Hassum superbly portrays the fluctuating emotions of Jorge—a loving but disgruntled family man turned panic-stricken captive of Christmas.

Alongside Hassum, the movie features Arianne Botelho, who skillfully plays the role of his daughter, adding depth and emotion to the plot. The relationship between the two further escalates the drama as her life unfolds in a fast-forward mode, one Christmas at a time. Elisa Pinheiro, entrusted with the part of Jorge's doting wife, Laura, projects her character’s relentless support for her husband with natural grace and tenderness. The supporting cast, including the characters of Jorge's extended family, played by Danielle Winits, Levi Ferreira, and Rodrigo Fagundes, gear up the humor, adding the cherry on top of this delightful storyline.

The film makes excellent use of cinematography to capture the grandeur and sparkle of the Christmas season—the lights, the decorations, the bustling city scenes, the iconic Christmas meals. Director Roberto Santucci excels at infusing comedy into this unusual situation without diminishing the subtle layer of poignancy inherent in the story's core heartache.

Just Another Christmas cleverly addresses the hardship of change in life and the urgency of time slipping away, wrapped neatly in a family-friendly Christmas package. It is an introspective journey of the protagonist, exposing him to the realities of life and death, love and loss, and reminding him of the importance of celebrating life, even in its mundane moments.

Kevin Andrew Rivera and Ashley Adler's spectacular performances make small but meaningful contributions to the narrative, adding to the film's overall charm. The carefully crafted script by Paulo Cursino keeps the audience invested, making for an engaging viewing experience.

In sum, Just Another Christmas is an innovative take on holiday movies that nestles comedy, drama and life lessons snugly in its narrative. The endearing characters, tight script, and skillful direction make this film a standout among holiday flicks. Though it is deeply embedded in festive iconography and cheer, it presents a universal narrative that can be appreciated regardless of the season. It's not just a story about Christmas—it's a story about life, about cherishing each day as if it were a special occasion. It believes in the magic of ordinary days, making every day seem like Christmas.