The holiday season has arrived with the release of the new comedy film Oh. What. Fun., directed by Michael Showalter. This Amazon production, which premiered on Prime Video, stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Claire Clauster, a mother feeling overlooked by her family. With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the film offers a fresh take on the traditional Christmas movie genre.
In Oh. What. Fun., Claire is a sweet but distracted mom whose three adult children and husband, portrayed by Denis Leary, take her for granted. Feeling unappreciated, she departs just before Christmas after they inadvertently leave her behind in a twist reminiscent of the classic film Home Alone. The storyline explores Claire’s unexpected journey, including a shoplifting incident and an adventure on a live Christmas talk show hosted by Eva Longoria’s character, Zazzy Tims.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings Depth
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Felicity Jones, Dominic Sessa, and Chloë Grace Moretz. Each actor contributes to the film’s dynamic tone, with characters that embody various aspects of familial relationships. Moretz plays Taylor, who brings a different girlfriend home for Christmas each year as a buffer against her chaotic family.
Sessa’s character, Sammy, grapples with heartbreak after his girlfriend ends their relationship just before the holidays. He expresses the complexity of his character, stating, “I love Sammy’s vulnerability, but I dislike how closed off he is to his family, especially his mom.” This sentiment resonates throughout the film, illustrating the often complicated nature of family dynamics during the festive season.
Behind the Scenes: Filming Challenges
Filming took place in Atlanta during the summer months, presenting unique challenges as temperatures regularly soared to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 32 degrees Celsius). Showalter remarked on the difficulties, stating, “It was brutal.” Despite the heat, the team found a suitable location in Buckhead to represent the Clauster family home, mirroring the iconic McAllister residence from Home Alone.
In a twist of irony, the Clauster home is located across from the ostentatious house of the Wang-Wasserman family, whose seemingly perfect lifestyle adds to Claire’s frustration. Veteran actress Joan Chen portrays Jeanne Wang-Wasserman, delivering a performance filled with snobbish disdain that further fuels Claire’s ire.
Showalter highlighted a memorable scene about two-thirds into the film, featuring Sammy and a new romantic interest joyfully dancing to No Doubt’s cover of “It’s My Life” in a bar. This moment, accompanied by a montage of the other characters’ struggles, evokes nostalgia and connects to the filmmaker’s own experiences growing up influenced by directors like John Hughes and Cameron Crowe.
With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, Oh. What. Fun. aims to resonate with audiences this holiday season, capturing the complexities of family life wrapped in humor. As viewers settle in for their holiday viewing, the film promises both laughter and reflection on the importance of appreciation within family bonds.
