Introduction"Deck the Halls" is a 2006 American Christmas funny film directed by John Whitesell. The lead roles are played by Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick who bring to life a Christmas neighborly competition with hilarious repercussions.
Plot SummaryThe story is embeded in a peaceful Massachusetts town understood for its Christmas spirit, mainly cultivated by the town's Christmas guy, Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick). Steve is an eye doctor who preserves stiff control over the holiday customs in the tight-knit neighborhood, much to the irritation of his wife, Kelly (Kristin Davis), and two children.
The peace is interrupted with the arrival of Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito), a cars and truck salesperson, and his other half Tia (Kristin Chenoweth). They relocate throughout the street from the Finches and the friendly competition unexpectedly develops into an intense rivalry. The easy-going, socially-awkward Buddy feels lost and starts searching for an identity besides being 'the new guy in the area.' He stumbles upon the idea of embellishing his home with a lot of Christmas lights that it would be visible from area.
Escalation of EventsPal's extravagant Christmas light display screen immediately ignites a competition between him and Steve. Steve feels threatened by Buddy's eccentricities and showiness, and the competition to surpass each other intensifies rapidly. They constantly spar, bend guidelines and develop gratifyingly ridiculous screens of one-upmanship to end up being "the Christmas guy".
Steve undermines Buddy's Christmas light display screen and arranges a town meeting intending to expel Buddy for his unsafe stunts. It backfires, and Steve becomes the town's outcast. His wife and kids leave him, and he winds up living alone in his perfectly decorated yet really lonely house.
ResolutionSteve and Buddy eventually reconcile. They arrange an unscripted Winterfest together, bringing happiness and joy to the whole town. They lastly recognize the importance of family and relationship during the holiday season. The film ends on a heartfelt note with Buddy's house becoming noticeable from space through Google Earth, achieving Buddy's wild dream. Steve loosens up on his resistive attitude and finds out to appreciate the change, ending their rivalry on a positive note.
Conclusion"Deck the Halls" is an easy going funny with a little bit of sentiment embeded. It successfully utilizes humor to communicate messages of acceptance, change, and the real spirit of Christmas. Although the story is steeped in competition, it ends with reconciliation showcasing the vacation spirit of love, unity, and delight in all the yuletide insanity.
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