MARV Review

Oh. What. Fun. Let me tell you, this “holiday escapade” is less a journey and more a meticulously choreographed disaster. The Clauusters’ family? Please. They’re a collection of exquisitely flawed individuals, each desperately attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy while simultaneously engaging in a series of increasingly bizarre and pointless activities. The plot? A meandering, predictable stream of slapstick and awkward silences. It’s like watching a toddler try to build a sandcastle on a particularly aggressive tide. The characters? Let’s just say they’re experiencing a profound existential crisis, fueled by lukewarm eggnog and a desperate need to avoid the inevitable fallout of their own incompetence. And the “unexpected magic”? It’s a sparkly, slightly unsettling mess, like a Christmas ornament that’s been left out in the rain. Honestly, it’s the kind of magic you get from a particularly depressing documentary about mold. The audience, bless their hearts, are completely invested in the inevitable collapse. They’re so engrossed in the family’s antics that they’re actively participating, which, let’s be honest, is a remarkably passive viewing experience. It's a cinematic experience I’d rather endure through a particularly unpleasant batch of prune juice. Four out of five stars – mostly because I’m not actively trying to get a headache.