Eddie Murphy, in ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ takes on a role that feels akin to driving a sportscar to the local supermarket—an unnecessary extravagance for a holiday movie aimed at family-friendly audiences on Amazon Prime.
With full-on-flashy-smile charisma, Murphy tries to compensate for the film’s lackluster energy but often appears to sleepwalk through the festivities, contrasting with more animated co-stars. Set against the backdrop of a Christmas light contest in sunny Southern California, the film follows Murphy’s character, Chris, in his rivalry with a neighbor, introducing the overused theme of family values over consumerism.
While Amazon might be an unconventional source for a movie with such a moral agenda, it serves as the packaging for a film where style outshines substance. A blend of ‘Jingle All the Way’ and ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight, ‘Candy Cane Lane’ tries to add humor but mostly follows a predictable plotline. Chris’s job loss and the introduction of a $100,000 prize sponsored by the local cable service add layers to the contest, leading to chaotic yet foreseeable family dynamics. Murphy keeps it almost too squeaky clean, with the exception of the use of the word “ass” too often to count.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film navigates through family subplots, including college decisions and musical aspirations, all unfolding amid the chaos of Christmas preparations. Despite occasional fun with California’s Christmas setting, the film lacks the magic to make it memorable. Even a closing outtakes sequence fails to generate genuine laughs.
In the charitable spirit of the season, “Candy Cane Lane’ can be seen as a passable addition to holiday movie traditions. However, even by forgiving standards, it struggles to keep the lights on, relying on the sparkle of Murphy’s name rather than delivering a truly enchanting experience.
Eddie Murphy’s comedic prowess can only do so much to salvage ‘Candy Cane Lane’ from its bloated and overlong narrative. The film’s explosion of middling ideas may find an audience among undemanding kids but falls short for those seeking a more nuanced holiday film.
Filled with lights, carols, and holiday frenzy, ‘Candy Cane Lane” tries to capture the spirit of Christmas but ends up feeling more like a forced and overdone mess. The film tests the viewer’s tolerance for holiday tropes, and while it conveys familiar lessons, it doesn’t bring enough joy to the world to become a holiday classic.
Despite the visual overload, the film struggles to deliver genuine merriment. The abundance of Christmas chaos feels disconnected, making it challenging to connect with the characters or buy into the holiday magic. “Candy Cane Lane” may have lights aplenty, but it lacks the genuine sparkle to make it a standout addition to the festive season.