A surprisingly charming Christmas flick, anchored by Nicolas Cage delivering a more compelling and engaging performance than you’d think. His Bill isn’t a bad man, but isn’t a good one either at the film’s start. He wants to be, but needs a push to be the man he could be. He sells the effect this town has on him, which helps the Christmas theme of community and togetherness hit. And he nails the comedic beats, as wild and hypnotizing as ever.

His brothers are fine. Lovitz is deployed to be Lovitz, and he’s alright as far as that goes, doing what’s needed as a sleeze with a little charm and a heart of bronze. Carvey’s annoying to hear, and the expression his face is locked in doesn’t help, but he has some decent physical comedy. But Cage, along with a good supporting cast, is what makes the film work and a pleasant Christmas time.