How the Gringo Stole Christmas (2023)

Review Team

3/5

How the Gringo Stole Christmas presents a familiar yet engaging narrative that captures the essence of holiday gatherings. The plot revolves around Bennie, whose peaceful holiday plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of his daughter's new boyfriend. This setup allows for a mix of comedic mom ... Show more >> How the Gringo Stole Christmas presents a familiar yet engaging narrative that captures the essence of holiday gatherings. The plot revolves around Bennie, whose peaceful holiday plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of his daughter's new boyfriend. This setup allows for a mix of comedic moments and heartfelt exchanges, as Bennie navigates his initial discomfort with the 'gringo'. The performances are commendable, particularly from the lead, who brings a relatable charm to the character of Bennie. The direction maintains a steady pace, balancing humour and emotion effectively. While the film doesn't break new ground, it succeeds in creating a warm atmosphere suited for family viewing. The ending, which resolves the tension in a heartwarming manner, reinforces the film's central themes of acceptance and love during the festive season. Show less

Editor Team

2/5

How the Gringo Stole Christmas tries to ride the wave of holiday cheer but ultimately stumbles into clichés and predictable plotlines. The setup of a gringo crashing a family Christmas could have been ripe for comedic gold, yet the execution feels lacklustre. Bennie's character, while relatable, oft ... Show more >> How the Gringo Stole Christmas tries to ride the wave of holiday cheer but ultimately stumbles into clichés and predictable plotlines. The setup of a gringo crashing a family Christmas could have been ripe for comedic gold, yet the execution feels lacklustre. Bennie's character, while relatable, often veers into frustrating territory, and the conflict lacks the depth needed to maintain interest. The performances are serviceable, but they can't fully compensate for the script's shortcomings. There are moments of genuine humour, yet they are overshadowed by a formulaic approach that leaves little room for surprise. The film’s charm is not enough to elevate it beyond the realm of forgettable holiday fare. Overall, if you're after something fresh this Christmas, you might want to look elsewhere. Show less