Christmas with the Kranks is a 2004 comedy film by John Grisman that showcases the heartwarming message of being with family on the holidays.

The Kranks are a family of three: Luther, Nora, and their daughter, Blair. Blair explains to her mother and father that she must go to Peru for a school assignment during Christmas, and the parents are upset. They are so distraught that they decide to not celebrate Christmas as it would not be the same without her.

Luther comes to the realization that last Christmas season, he and Nora collectively had spent over $6,000 just on presents and Christmas decorations.

Considering they are not looking forward to Christmas without their daughter, they decide that they could use that year’s money on something more enjoyable for them: a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean.

Luther initially comes up with this idea while Nora is not in favor of it; however, later, she decides to cave in.

The Kranks tell their neighbors about their plans to boycott Christmas with their cruise, and they do not approve. They tell them that they should at least put Christmas decorations up so that their house is not the only house without them. Christmas carolers even show up to the Kranks in an attempt to get them in Christmas spirit, but the Kranks resist.

Flashing forward to Christmas Eve morning, Luther and Nora start getting ready for their cruise. They buy new swimsuits; they get spray tans, and they even get Botox; however, their daughter calls to let them know that she is coming home that same evening.

As excited and happy they might have seemed over the phone, they begin panicking as they try to get everything ready for their daughter for when she comes home, considering Blair has no idea about their cruise plans.

The Kranks frantically try to buy Christmas decorations and food, and they try to plan a Christmas party all within the span of 10 hours.

This Christmas movie is not talked about as much as others, but it definitely deserves some recognition. While it has a somewhat predictable ending, it is interesting, nonetheless.
Starring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Julie Gonzalo, this Netflix movie’s best audience would be for anyone who enjoys watching Christmas movies with their families.
The acting in this movie is great and really feels believable.