Deck the Halls

Right now you can watch Deck the Halls in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Danny DeVito's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Deck the Halls is worth clearing space for. Deck the Halls gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. Determined to unseat Steve Finch's reign as the town's holiday season king, Buddy Hall plasters his house with so many decorative lights that it'll be visible from space! When their wives bond, and their kids follow suit, the two men only escalate their rivalry - and their decorating. Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2006. What keeps Deck the Halls from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Deck the Halls is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Danny DeVito anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.