REVIEW: ‘Candy Cane Lane’ Delivers Holiday Hijinks

In Candy Cane Lane, Eddie Murphy leads a charming cast in a Christmas comedy about a man’s quest to win the best-decorated home contest.  The spirited Christmas comedy, written by Kelly Younger and directed by Reginald Hudlin, introduces viewers to Chris Carver, played by Murphy, who unknowingly strikes a deal with the charismatic yet malevolent elf, Pepper (Jillian Bell). The story unfolds against the backdrop of a local neighborhood’s annual Christmas decoration contest, where the Carver family becomes entangled in a magical misadventure that challenges their understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.

Candy Cane Lane‘s opening 20 minutes firmly establishes its whimsical tone, immersing viewers in the extravagant Christmas displays on Candy Cane Lane. This sets the stage for a story that seamlessly balances childlike wonder with a critical reflection on the less savory aspects of the season. The attention to detail in the set designs is noteworthy, with each house on Candy Cane Lane boasting a unique and hilarious theme. Even as Chris, who has recently lost his corporate sales job, walks into Pepper’s shop, it is easy to see how someone can get lost in the magic of Christmas decorations.

At its core, Candy Cane Lane examines the struggle between preserving tradition and succumbing to the allure of consumerism during the holiday season. Despite not winning the home decorating content in the last four years, Chris is dedicated to handmade decorations. However, after losing his job, Chris feels the allure of just buying his decorations like the rest of the houses on the street. In addition to that two of his children are on the cusp of leaving for college which makes Chris’s desire to make this Christmas perfect is that much more desperate. Chris Carver’s journey becomes a metaphor for navigating the economic challenges that threaten the true spirit of Christmas, with Pepper preying on this struggle.

Jillian Bell shines as Pepper, infusing the character with an eccentric and devious energy. Formerly an elf in Santa’s workshop, Pepper is determined to carry out her own brand of punishment for those whom she deems naughty. Instead of getting coal from Santa or receiving a visit from Krampus, Pepper’s naughty listers are turned into little porcelain dolls that stay in her own workshop. When she realizes that Chris has lost the true meaning of Christmas, she is more than happy to lock him into a contract that threatens to rip away from his family unless he can complete the task laid out in her riddle. Chris is forced to face the 12 Days of Christmas brought to life before the clock hits midnight.  Unfortunately for him, it isn’t just his own future he has to worry about, but those of his family members as well.

Thankfully, Chris isn’t alone. In fact, one of the Candy Cane Lanes’s strengths lies in its intentional effort to involve the entire Carver family in the magical shenanigans. He is joined by his wife Carol Carver (Tracee Ellis Ross) and their kids Joy Carver (Genneya Walton), Nick Carver (Thaddeus J. Mixson), Holly Carver (Madison Thomas), who all have names based on the season. While Murphy could have easily carried the film on his own the inclusion of his family emphasizes the importance of the film on getting through difficult together during the holiday season. By the end, each family member contributes unique skills to combat Pepper’s curse, reinforcing the film’s true meaning of Christmas.

The mischievous antics of the 12 Days of Christmas characters seemed a tad excessive beyond the confines of the family home, extending into various moments in the broader community. As the family grapples with convincing themselves that these magical occurrences are genuine and not mere illusions, the issues arise when they confront the magic amidst the ordinary activities of the general public. While some scenes made sense, there were others where the presence of these characters seemed out of place, occasionally detracting from the movie’s magical atmosphere. I am all for Christmas fun, but having a leaping lord in the middle of a high school sporting event and no one bats an eye is a bit jarring with similar scenes happening with various members of the family.

With that said, as Candy Cane Lane progresses, it is clear that humor is at the forefront even if it doesn’t always hit. The film’s humor caters to a broad audience, incorporating jokes that range from the chaos of holiday shopping to clever innuendos and modern pop culture references. One of the biggest vehicles for comedy in the film comes from the porcelain dolls who have already been afflicted by Pepper’s curse. Performances by Chris Redd, Nick Offerman, and Robin Thede both add to the intrigue behind Pepper’s curse but also provide an extra layer of humor as they play off themselves and the Carver family for some of the film’s funniest moments.

Even with all of its humor, I can’t help but feel like there was still more that could have been done. Bell’s portrayal of Pepper creates a compelling villain that the audience can easily rally against. However, Candy Cane Lane falls short of providing sufficient screen time for Bell to interact with the Carver family. Pepper’s character remains more of a looming presence to be avoided than an antagonist to be actively combated. This missed opportunity limits the potential for humor and dynamic exchanges that Bell could have brought to the table with her timing and delivery.

This is particularly felt in the third act which introduces a rushed twist that shifts the focus from beating the curse to a frantic race against the clock, accompanied by a surge in chaotic events. This departure from the intimate character moments established earlier in the midst of chaos, especially concerning the children’s significant moments, feels like an overdose of hijinks late in the film. As Candy Cane Lane reaches its crescendo into the expected feel-good Christmas moments, there a slight lack of balance undermines the narrative’s potential depth, diminishing the connection between the Carver family and the resolution of their predicament.

Ultimately, Murphy delivers a festive watch suitable for the entire family. While Candy Cane Lane may not secure its spot among the most memorable Christmas movies ever made, it undeniably captures the essence that makes seasonal films so beloved. The film presents a fresh and humorous perspective on discovering the true meaning of Christmas, featuring a blend of modern references, adult humor, and childlike whimsy that caters to a broad audience. Despite a slightly rushed third act, the film successfully conveys a heartwarming message about the importance of family unity during challenging times, even in the midst of what should be the most joyous season of the year.

Don’t forget to stay after the credits for bloopers and outtakes that hammers home the film’s fun-loving nature, providing an extra dose of enjoyment to cap off the festive experience.

Candy Cane Lane is streaming now on Prime Video.