I was surprised to read that critics initially panned this movie.I saw it on cable and found it amusing, entertaining, touching, inspiring and intellectually stimulating. I was quickly involved in the plot and the off-beat characters and remained engrossed through the end.Even after the movie was over, I continued to worry a about the fate of some of the characters: What happened to the woman with the fatal ailment? Did she end up telling her husband that she was going to die?I suspect that one reason that critics underestimated this film is that it is different. For example, the humor is not slapstick or laugh-out-loud hysterical. Instead, it is quirky, droll and subtle.Another reason that critics may have been put off is the fact that the story seems more appropriate for a stage play rather than for a movie.The action is mostly confined to the interiors of a series of stuck elevators. Hence, there is not much physical activity. Because the setting is static, the movie, naturally, is talky---something that is not to everyone's taste.This movie has been under-appreciated. As more people are exposed to it on cable, I suspect that it will grow into a cult classic.

The reason I give this two stars is because the acting and dialog are actually quite good in spots. However, the majority of the movie falls flat. The connection between characters feels flat and some of it is over the top hokey, especially the two girls and stripper Santa.The movie builds up to be something profound but falls way short of delivery. You get the feel that if you keep watching it will eventually be worth the effort but it never comes. There is a dull climax and the resolutions are blah! As part of the audience there never was a connection to any of the characters even though I wanted that to be the case.I have to agree with others when they say it is a waste of time.

This movie is not terrible but it is almost uncomfortable to watch because of the slight hint of "fakiness" and melodrama in the writing and acting. You know those people who aren't exactly offensive but you are embarrassed for their insecure and way not clever one liners? Or the guy that tries to be slick but everyone can see right through him but he is not exactly a jerk? This is this movie. It has all the typical, (yawn), hallmarks of trying to be original and witty. It is just not that original at all. I recommend you just catch it on HBO next year when you are bored.There are a few characters that are a bit amusing, but most are beyond cliché and even just stupid and annoying.

As the message boards and the limited reviews have been somewhat merciless on this good-but-not-great movie, I feel duty bound to write a few good words. I decided to invest a small amount of money on the film, because I was curious how James Roday would do outside of 'Psych' (which I have generally liked). But I had a pretty good experience watching the movie. Critical and audience reaction doubtless has reflected the fact that it is not a comedy, nor is it particularly warm (!). The writer-director (I believe) wanted to discuss a number of large life issues. (The movie actually might have worked better on some ordinary day, as very few of the subplots actually resolve with reference to the holiday).Some of these are successful, some not. I particularly enjoyed the musicians in the elevator, and also doctors and patient. The scene with the five millenials (flaky girls, know-it-all, docent, and body builder) worked. So did the duo of Jon Heder and Max Casella. The solo of Patrick Stewart and the James Roday (sigh) did not work so well. All that said, however, the different reactions of the trapped groups was interesting and dramatic. The critics' views that they are all unlikable is Grinch stuff. The reveals of the interconnections among them (done with some subtlety) were the script at its best. All in all, a sort of Ship of Fools movie that ultimately worked, maybe because the formula is so strong. The critics and some of our acerbic friends on this site are way too negative.