Mixed Nuts (1994)
Here's another in my series of Christmas movie reviews, this one a Steve Martin comedy from ten years ago. A stellar ensemble cast that would (mostly) go on to much bigger things, particularily one "actor" named Adam Sandler. Incidentally, this is one of the few Sandler movies I actually enjoy, because it's not a "Sandler" movie.
Martin stars as Philip, the owner or boss of a non-profit organization called LifeSavers, basically a suicide help hotline. Well, not help as in helping you commit suicide, more of a preventative method. Damn English language, so many interpretations.
It's Christmas Eve at LifeSavers, & they're about to be evicted. Hurray. A wacky cast of characters comes through the offices throughout the day & it ends in one big Christmas Cliche. Almost too much of a Christmas Cliche. Some might find it offensive because of their belief in that guy named Jesus.
This was Jon Stewart's first movie by the way, & he's notable as being one of the rollerblade yuppy couple with Parker Posey. Steven Wright is in it, Rob Reiner, Rita Wilson, the afformentioned Sandler, Juliette Lewis, Anthony LaPaglia, Liev Schreiber, mmmmmm Joely Fisher, & the much missed Madeline Kahn.
Steve Martin is pretty good as the somewhat dazed Philip, & the rest of the cast is passable. It's a pretty ricockulous story, but that usually happens with such a big ensemble cast. Too many Indians, not enough Chiefs. Shouldn't it be Chieves? Or is it like the Toronto Maple Leafs? Once again, stupid English language & it's abusers. Overall, it's an enjoyable movie, 3 outta 5. As a Christmas movie, I had to actually deduct a point for it's overwhelming-shoving-Christmas-down-your-throatness, 4 outta 5.
Roger Ebert's review of Mixed Nuts (1994)