Oh What Fun

“They need to make a movie about the true heroes of the holidays — moms,” theorizes the beleaguered matriarch in the narration at the outset of Oh What Fun, a holiday comedy that turns out to be just the opposite.

Rather, despite some scattered laughs, this saga of a dysfunctional suburban clan isn’t edgy or subversive enough to distinguish itself in a crowded genre. Being a small step above the average Hallmark fare doesn’t qualify as a gift to moviegoers.

After providing examples of dad-centered classics to support her aforementioned point, perfectionist Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) starts a crusade to ensure she’s the focus of the celebration during her family’s annual Christmas gathering.

Her sentiments on underappreciation might be sincere, but her obsessive and controlling nature eradicates our sense of goodwill.

Perhaps that’s why tension already seems to be running high when Claire and her devoted husband (Denis Leary) start welcoming their adult children, including oldest daughter Channing (Felicity Jones) and her husband (Jason Schwartzman). They arrive first, followed by impetuous Taylor (Chloe Grace Moretz) and wayward Sammy (Dominic Sessa).

Claire’s already grumbling that none of them nominated her in a contest sponsored by her favorite talk-show host (Eva Longoria), and trying to get under the skin of the busybody mother across the street (Joan Chen).

Less than 24 hours later, a major miscommunication issue unravels everything. Amid all the bickering and bumbling, it’s not as simple as unwrapping family harmony or finding common ground under the tree.

The film from director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) doesn’t stray too far from the usual seasonal cliches and stereotypes, from romantic entanglements to neighborhood rivalries to frantic last-minute mishaps to hidden personal secrets.

Pfeiffer seems to enjoy playing against type here, and credit her and the rest of the talented ensemble cast for trying to spread cheer with a script as stale as re-gifted fruitcake. As the film becomes progressively more outrageous, its attempts at poignancy and catharsis feel more forced than genuine.

Claire eventually tries to warm our hearts, although the rest of the characters in Oh What Fun are functional rather than fleshed-out. Send a card if you must, but go ahead and decline the invite.

Rated PG-13, 107 minutes.