Let me say this movie couldn't be more real, now having said that Denis Leary didn't even have to blink when reading this script, it was simply written for him because lets face the facts who better to be a gun wielding, curse slurring, angry robber then him. Secondly the relationship between Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis could have a movie all in itself, its real down and dirty dysfunction the good old fashioned way with objects being flung and secrets being expelled in every direction, and the reunion of the entire family makes you want to curl up and laugh hysterically for hours. Bottom line if you haven't seen this movie its an absolute MUST SEE. 10 out of 10 with a bullet.

This is a very adult film in that the movie uses very adult language. Parents are advised not to let kids see it, but irresponsible parents won't care and will show it to their kids anyway.

The film is a very funny but tough to watch film about family dysfunction. Dennis Leary is wanted by the cops and hides out in the home of a family that is in meltdown mode! Mom and Dad truly hate each other and are absolutely evil in the way that they interact together. Despite their lives being at stake, they can't stop for a minute putting each other down and ripping each other apart! And, after a short time, it becomes apparent that Leary is the most normal and nicest one in the home! However, just when you thought you understood what was the heart of the problem, extended family arrive and are told that Leary will be spending the holiday with them--and the visitors have no idea the family is actually being held hostage!! It is in this situation that the true root of much of the martial discord becomes apparent and it's up to Leary to take care of it in his own unique fashion! This is a wonderful Christmas movie, though not exactly the type you normally would consider watching. The film has very clever writing and acting and definitely deserves kudos for daring to be so different! But, as I warned above, it's NOT family-friendly. So, don't invite your mother or Father Jenkins over to see this one!!

Caroline (Judy Davis) and Lloyd Chasseur (Kevin Spacey) are a fighting couple living in the small town of Old Baybrook. Lloyd doesn't want to talk about their marriage despite Caroline having had an affair. They don't agree on anything including his domineering mother (Glynis Johns) or their delinquent son. Gus (Denis Leary) is a burglar who barely escapes getting caught after being abandoned by his partner Murray. He takes the couple hostage. They go back to the Chasseur home but people start showing up. First the boy, then the mother with Lloyd's sister Connie (Christine Baranski) and her family.

The fighting couple lends a bit of black comedy. Surprisingly, Leary is almost playing the straight man and is the least angry of the trio. Then the movie adds on two great broads Glynis Johns and Christine Baranski. The dinner is a lot of fun. It starts with the weird headgear and then they go into the wildest therapy session. The movie probably needs a few more crazy antics scenes and a little more slapstick.