I must admit that I had low expectations for Sweethearts, which is pitched as a raunchy college comedy about two friends who form a plan to break up with their long-distances partners over a Thanksgiving visit to their hometown.
Fortunately, those expectations were far exceeded, as Sweethearts features a charming cast of characters, a number of laugh-out-loud moments, and a nice lesson about friendship.
As great as the two lead characters are (including Kiernan Shipka from Mad Men), it’s actually the B-plot of their mutual friend that leads to some of the best comedic moments in the movie. Caleb Hearon plays Palmer, who is returning to his hometown with a plan to come out of the closet. Palmer is under the impression that he is the first and only gay person in his hometown (or at least the only one who has made it public), and there are a number of funny and touching moments as he learns the truth.
Meanwhile, it’s fun to follow most of the exploits (some of which are a bit raunchy, as advertised) of the lead characters as they try to do what they believe is the right thing and break of face to face with their significant others. Their friendship is fun to watch.
I’ve been looking for a good, new holiday comedy, and while this is very loosely about a holiday, it mostly scratched that itch. Do you have a new holiday movie you’ve enjoyed, or should I turn to a classic like Elf?
I already watched Home Alone which is my go-to Christmas movie. It’s A Wonderful Life is new to me, but it makes me so emotional, I can only watch it in 10 minute chunks. I also watched Jingle All the Way and the Polar Express. I tried The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) and that was surprisingly good. I still need to watch some more Christmas Carols and Lord of the Rings before Christmas.
Home Alone was my Christmas movie for a long time! Just tonight someone else recommended The Man Who Invented Christmas too–I’m adding it to my list.