Christmas with the Kranks
Christmas with the Kranks is a heartwarming holiday comedy film that was released in 2004. The movie is based on the novel Skipping Christmas, which was written by John Grisham. The story follows a couple named Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to skip Christmas altogether after their daughter Blair leaves for the Peace Corps. However, their plans are quickly derailed when Blair unexpectedly decides to come home for the holidays.
Overview of the Book
Skipping Christmas is a novella that was published in 2001. The story takes place in the fictional town of Hemlock Street, which is based on Grisham’s hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. The book follows Luther and Nora Krank as they try to avoid the holiday season and all of its associated expenses and stress. However, their decision to skip Christmas doesn’t go over well with their neighbors, and they soon find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of holiday cheer.
The Author: John Grisham
John Grisham is an American author who is best known for his legal thrillers. He has written over 30 novels, many of which have been adapted into successful films. Grisham was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1955 and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. He worked as a lawyer and state legislator before becoming a full-time writer.
Publication of Skipping Christmas
Skipping Christmas was published in November 2001. The book received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its humor and heartwarming message, while others criticized it for being too formulaic. Despite the mixed reception, the book was a commercial success and spent several weeks on the bestseller lists.
Characters: Luther and Nora Krank
Luther and Nora Krank are the main characters in Skipping Christmas. Luther is a successful accountant who is tired of the stress and expense of the holiday season, while Nora is a homemaker who is initially hesitant about skipping Christmas. The couple’s relationship is put to the test as they navigate the challenges of trying to avoid the holiday season.
The Plot: Skipping Christmas
The plot of Skipping Christmas revolves around Luther and Nora Krank’s decision to skip Christmas. They plan to take a Caribbean cruise instead of decorating their house, buying presents, and hosting a Christmas Eve party. However, their plans are derailed when their daughter Blair unexpectedly decides to come home for the holidays. Luther and Nora scramble to put together a last-minute Christmas celebration, and they learn valuable lessons about the importance of family and community.
Themes in Skipping Christmas
Skipping Christmas explores themes of family, community, and the true meaning of the holiday season. The book challenges readers to reflect on their own holiday traditions and consider whether they are truly meaningful or simply a source of stress and expense.
Changes Made for the Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of Skipping Christmas, titled Christmas with the Kranks, made several changes to the original story. These included adding new characters and subplots, as well as altering the ending. The film also emphasized the humor and slapstick elements of the story, while downplaying some of the more serious themes.
Film Cast and Crew
Christmas with the Kranks starred Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as Luther and Nora Krank. The film was directed by Joe Roth and produced by Chris Columbus. Other notable cast members included Dan Aykroyd, M. Emmet Walsh, and Cheech Marin.
Initial Reception of the Film
Christmas with the Kranks was released in November 2004 and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its humor and heartwarming message, while others criticized it for being too formulaic and predictable. Despite the mixed reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide.
Criticisms of the Film
Some critics criticized Christmas with the Kranks for being too formulaic and predictable, and for relying too heavily on slapstick humor. Others felt that the film’s message was overly sentimental and simplistic. Additionally, some fans of the book were disappointed with the changes made for the film adaptation.
Conclusion: Book vs. Film
Overall, Skipping Christmas and Christmas with the Kranks are both heartwarming stories that explore the true meaning of the holiday season. While the film adaptation made several changes to the original story, it still captured the humor and heart of Grisham’s novel. Whether readers prefer the book or the film, both versions are sure to put them in the holiday spirit.