Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Have you had enough holiday cheer to drive you into an asylum? We just watched two very funny movies about Christmas that I wanted to share. If you could use a good laugh and the opportunity to turn off your family overloaded, over sugared, under rested brain for a few hours….these movies may be for you.   These are not really family movies so put them to bed, open your favorite jug of red wine and enjoy some me time.

Fred Claus starring Paul Giamatti and Vince Vaughn.

Crux of the story: Vince Vaughn plays Fred Claus, the emotionally damaged, angry and seemingly unloved older brother of Nick Claus (Santa) , Giamatti.  Their mother, played by Kathy Bates has always made Fred feel less than, and inadequate. The story that unfolds is ridiculous, funny and sometimes sad. If you have any mommy issues (who doesn’t) you will identify with Vaughn and he will immediately steal your heart.

Surviving Christmas starring Ben Affleck, Catherine O’Hara, Christina Appelgate and James Gandolfini.

Crux of the story:

Ben Affleck plays a successful, lonely, emotionally stunted ad exec prone to using  cash to cure his loneliness.  In an effort to survive another Christmas  alone,  a therapist suggests he return to his childhood home and burn a tiny letter of grievances to release the feelings of sadness from his heart. Once there,  he loses his mind and offers to pay the family living there $250,000 if they will pretend they are his family and allow him to live there through the holidays. The whole movie is so funny and ridiculous that you may find yourself forgetting all about your own holiday emotions, fears or grievances.

Pop yourself some popcorn, top it with some Nooch (nutritional Yeast flakes) and put on your jammies. You deserve a movie night. The shopping, cooking, card writing, nervous breakdown having can wait.

Have a delicious weekend.

Tags: Fred Claus review, holiday movie reviews, holiday movies, Surviving Christmas review, vegan wannabe