Switchmas (2012)

There are some movies that hold up over time and we see every year during the Christmas season. This is one of those movies. Ira Finkelsteins' Christmas will join the ranks of "A Christmas Story" and National Lampoons "Christmas Vacation" and is the Christmas Movie of this decade and one you will want to each year.Ira decided he has to have the Christmas experience and goes to great lengths to get it. He switches places with Mikey and ends up having a Christmas experience which most definitely is not what he bargained for at first, but then he realizes that Christmas is for every one, including him.David DeLuise is hysterical as Ira's father, and Elliot Gould as Ira's grandfather almost steals the show, almost. Two dogs and a passel of kids bring the majority of laughs and fun.

Sue Cochran has done it again! "IRA" is one of the absolute funniest, family friendly films I've seen in years! Finally an entertaining movie I can take my grandchildren to without blood, guts, aliens or violence. This movie displays humor, family values, adventure and understanding without gratuitous violence, slick tricks or overwhelming special effects. A poignant storyline, well portrayed by all. The actors were stellar, from the Hollywood veterans to the local talent. Wonderful to see DeLuise and Gould working together. A shout out to Ira's mother,played by Seattle theater star, Angela DiMarco. Awesome to see her on the big screen with her impeccable comedic timing. This film is well rafted. This film is well written. Thank you Von Piglet, well done!

I recently saw Ira Finkelstein's Christmas at the Seattle premier and was thoroughly impressed by the film. The cast is terrific and the script delightful. I have four children, ages 13 - 9 and each of them loved it. There was enough action to keep it exciting, laugh out loud humor and a charming story line. If you are looking for a film that the entire family can enjoy, I highly recommend this.The film is a Christmakah, Chanu-mess, Festivus for the Restuvus that captures the longing for holiday spirit and joy that so many people search for during the holiday season. And as so often occurs in real life...it is elusive. In the end, it is ultimately the joy and love of family and friends that triumphs over any particular holiday celebration. But getting there is a lot of fun!The casting is wonderful. David DeLuise is perfect as a overzealous B movie maker waiting to have his big break, and Elliott Gould hilarious as the Jewish grandfather who gets his grandson for the holidays. This is the first time I have seen Elijah Nelson, but he does a phenomenal job in the title role of Ira. Justin Howell is also fabulous as Ira's counterpart, Mickey. The rest of the young cast is refreshing and adorable.

A humorous and heartwarming tale about the true spirit of Christmas that both children and adults will love. Wonderfully captures the character and quirks of Christian and Jewish (Christmas & Hannukah) season celebrations and beliefs about themselves and the other... The joyous innocence, hope and longings of younger children celebrating the season set off against the fault lines of teenage self pre-occupation, cynicism and alienation... the ultimate triumph of love and humanity that is the true spirit of Christmas. Expect this movie to be a staple of families with young children for many a Christmas season in the years ahead. Plan on lot's of laughter and moist eye at the end for the redemption and reconciliation of all by the end of the movie.