Another Christmas movie? Yup. It's that time again, when the magical executives of Hollywood release scads of movies vaguely tied in to Christmas. They know that there are people out there who will buy any movie related to the holidays for the next 20 years. Their hope is to come up with the next White Christmas or even National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Unfortunately, most of the releases are terrible, and would be better served as firewood.

So, where does Deck the Halls fit in this pile? Is it a keeper or a stinker?

In our household, it will stay safe.

Starring Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Election, Broadway's The Producers) and Danny DeVito (TV's Taxi, Throw Momma From the Train), Deck the Halls tells the story of an uptight man (Broderick) who treasures the complete control every aspect of the winter holiday time. His family is desperately in need of some fatherly attention, but he is more interested in being the perfect Christmas example to the neighborhoods.

So who moves in across the street but an obnoxious salesman (DeVito) , who proceeds to turn the neighborhood into a gaudy light display designed to be seen in outer space. The inevitable competition ensues.

Fireworks, a runaway sled, and life-size manger complete with camels keep upping the ante. Conflict between the families and ridiculous antics erupt, and both men eventually learn the value of family and the true meaning of Christmas (or at least Hollywood's version of it, courtesy of co-star Kristin Chenoweth's rendition of "O Holy Night.").

Sounds pretty typical, doesn't it? The critics trashed this movie, and moviegoers tended to ignore it last year. My friends and I went to see it in the theater, though, and we found it hilarious. Nobody does uptight better than Broderick, and DeVito has established a career being obnoxious. The slapstick is fun, and the outlandish acts just keep inventing new heights to top. Yet, for all the antics, the resolution felt justified and right.

Watching it again at home on DVD this week, we found that it transferred well to the small screen. It's not my favorite movie with either actor (that would be Ladyhawke for Broderick and Renaissance Man for DeVito), but it's nice to see both of them in fine form. Co-stars Kristin Davis (TV's Sex and the City) and the always-delightful Chenoweth (RV, Broadway's Wicked, TV's Pushing Daisies) add significantly to the laughs and the warmth.

A good comedy is always welcome, and the connection with Christmas is nice when it is done right. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is on the list of classics now for its wacky humor yet truthful skewering of family togetherness at the holidays. I think Deck the Halls fits that tradition nicely. It'll never be White Christmas, but without Bing and Danny, how could anything be?
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