December is upon us, which means the holiday season has officially begun. With frigid weather hitting parts of the United States—including regions that rarely see the cold—it’s the perfect time to curl up at home with your favorite treats and enjoy some holiday films. We have the standard classics centered on male leads, as well as the predictable yet charming Hallmark staples. This year, Amazon MGM Studios opted to adapt Chandler Baker’s 2021 Amazon Original Stories into a feature film.
At the outset of Oh. What. Fun., we hear Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) listing holiday movies that place men front and center. Titles like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone all make the cut. She then notes how often wives, mothers, and the quiet “glue” of the family go unappreciated, setting up the expectation that this film will shine a spotlight on what often goes unnoticed during the holidays. We’re introduced to her husband Nick (Denis Leary), tinkering in the garage with a toy for the grandchildren. (I understand the choice of a gift involving many small pieces, though the toy selected doesn’t quite match the age of the fraternal twins.) Claire has been planning holiday menus, activities, and decorations since January 1, and now, with family arriving, festivities are officially underway. After a long day of cooking and cleaning, she collapses into bed well after midnight. The following morning, the family heads out to an event in two separate cars, but as they pull away, Claire is not in either vehicle. Realizing she has been left behind, she packs a bag and sets off on an adventure of her own.
Reflecting on the films Claire mentions, I noticed several playful nods to these classics, such as accidentally leaving someone at home and sharing a motel room with a stranger. Spotting these moments adds a fun layer to the viewing experience, and it’s something I plan to pay closer attention to the next time I watch.
The cast delivers strong, lively performances, and it’s clear they were enjoying themselves throughout filming. Felicity Jones plays Channing, the eldest child, navigating the familiar and often awkward space between adulthood and reverting to old family dynamics. Her husband, Doug (Jason Schwartzman), stands slightly on the outside, looking in; as an only child, he earnestly tries to connect with the larger, louder family. His attempt to strike up a conversation with Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz), while pretending to read an upside-down book, is especially endearing. Sammy (Dominic Sessa), the youngest, is still comfortably avoiding adulthood, and his emo rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an unexpectedly delightful twist.
The soundtrack is another highlight of the film. By weaving together holiday music, classic rock, and current hits, the film creates a dynamic mix that feels both familiar and fresh. Each musical cue fits seamlessly with the scene it accompanies, helping to maintain the movie’s momentum and enrich its emotional beats.
The film has a few missteps, but none of them meaningfully detracted me from my enjoyment. It never aims to be an awards contender, and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it offers a warm, humorous reminder of the unsung labor that makes the holidays magical. And as Claire suggests, take note of the three words she longs to hear—and start saying them to the person who makes your holiday season as special as it is.
Director: Michael Showalter
Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Denis Leary, Felicity Jones
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some drug use, sexual material, and strong language.
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 1h 47m
Release Date: December 3, 2025
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Genre(s): Comedy, Holiday
Trailer: Oh. What. Fun. trailer
Movie Site: Oh. What. Fun. website
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.