By: Christopher James
Holiday traditions are important. It’s the one time of the year when people slow down and get to make time for families, friends and silly comforting things. It’s no wonder goofy Hallmark/Lifetime-esque holiday movies have spawned into their own genre, with dozens coming out each week. Even within them, there’s subgenres - the so-bad-their-good comedies, what-is-happening-bonkers movies and the depressing drek.
So how does Netflix’s Singe All The Way fare within this matrix? Yes, it marks the streamer’s first gay-themed holiday movie. But does that mean that it’s the perfect bit of holiday junk food for you and your friends and family?
Clearly they are more than just "roommates."Single All The Way fits squarely in the first, showing yet again that gay men can fit into any formula just as well as straight people. The film lacks the jokes-a-minute track record to be a rip-roaring comedy and the premise isn’t outlandish enough to be so-bad-it's-good. Yet, the cast is charming and the supporting cast is winning enough to make this a lovely addition to your holiday binge. It’s like a glass of hot chocolate - simple, low nutritional value, but filling and fun.
Peter (Michael Urie) never falls for the right man, but this year will be different. He’s got a hot cardiologist that he’s excited to bring home to his family for the holidays. Unfortunately, Peter’s roommate and best friend, Nick (Philemon Chambers), sees that Peter’s new boyfriend is married to a woman and leading a double life. Peter is heartbroken, but doesn’t want to show up to his family Christmas single, yet again. He begs Nick to come with him and pretend to be his boyfriend to appease his family. I think we all know where this is going.
Who wouldn't want Kathy Najimy as their Mom?
The movie would’ve been funnier had it committed to the absurdity of the premise. Who doesn’t love hot people pretending not to be in love only to fall in love in the process? Unfortunately, it jettisons this conceit almost immediately once Peter and Nick reach New Hampshire to stay in his parents’ cheugie palace. Peter’s Mom Carole (Kathy Najimy, always a delight) wants to set Peter up with her trainer, the hunky James (Luke Macfarlane). Immediately, Nick encourages Peter to go on the date. The charade lasts all of five minutes. Peter is initially resistant to going out with James, but becomes charmed by him and starts contemplating what his life would be like if he left LA for good and moved back to his charming hometown.
While the romance is sweet, the best moments come within the family. Carole has an obsession with Christmas and loves nothing more than making goofy Home Goods-esque signs for her family ("Relax... we're all crazy, it's not a competition"). Najimy dials Carole's love and obsession up to ten, yet always makes it infectious, rather than annoying. Similarly, it's great to see Schitt's Creek star Jennifer Robertson light up the movie as Lisa, Peter's meddling sister who runs the local bar.
Let the Jennifer Coolidge-aissance continue!
As with anything she is in, Jennifer Coolidge is the MVP as Aunt Sandy, a failed Broadway actress who treats each year’s Christmas pageant as if she was performing Hamlet at the Globe Theater. She bursts into this cozy Home Goods speckled house clad in loud leopard print and singing her rendition of Whitney Houston’s Joy to the World. Minutes in she’s making Grindr jokes and stealing Christmas tree ornaments for earrings. Christmas joy is Coolidge screaming to a bunch of children “do you want me to lose it?” or cooing “Mary” in a dramatic, yet sultry manner. This all builds to her literally playing all the parts in her Christmas pageant. This is the manic, over-the-top energy the movie could’ve used more of. Coolidge also manages to give Sandy some pathos, she’s just a woman looking for respect from her family and community and to have her art appreciated. Don’t worry Sandy, the gays love you.
In the (admittedly limited) pantheon of gay Christmas movies on Netflix/Hallmark/Lifetime, Single All The Way falls in the middle of the pack. It’s not as consistently funny as the Fran Drescher starrer The Christmas Setup. Yet, it far surpasses the flat Dashing in December starring Andie MacDowell. What other Christmas movie quotes Clue (“flames on the side of my face”) and uses the term “FOMO-sexual?” As Kate Winslet says in The Holiday “I’m looking for corny.” If you are similarly looking for corniness and a happy ending, then Single All The Way will perfectly fit your mood.
C+ (improves one grade per spiked eggnog drink or additional person added to the group-watch)
What holiday movies are you watching this season? Let us know in the comments.