REVIEW: DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

3/5

Ludacrismas. 

90 Mins. Starring: Lil Rel Howery, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nunez, Madison Skye Validum, Mary Lynn Rajskub. Screenplay: Scott Rosenberg. Director: Tim Story. On: Disney +.

In a one-horse open sleigh with a turboboost, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is back. The rap punchline king from the Dirty South, who changed career lanes to become a 'Fast and Furious' franchise car star, comes early this Christmas to give his good tidings. The former 'Fred Claus' elf who even made the greatest Christmas rap for that soundtrack in 'Ludacrismas' (think of his 'Austin Powers' Quincy Jones sampling 'Number One Spot' on candy) is here in his native Atlanta, Georgia, looking absolutely beautiful as always, to show there really are ho, ho, ho's in different 'Area Codes' (rest peacefully, Nate Dogg), just a few weeks after 'HOcus Pocus' season too. Kind tidings are also on the hallmark cards from this nice Disney holiday season movie from a guy that could once kill you with a rhyme, but now does it with kindness. A moving opening scene atop a structure with a lonely man who just wants to be up there for a while this Christmas is truly beautiful and healing, like mother's home cooked Christmas dinner. Cry now and laugh later with a line that pokes fun with an in-joke at his name and one-time beef with self-proclaimed king of the south T.I. staying on the tip of his own. But what a time to be alive, that was in rap with the 'Rubberband Man' and the 'Word Of Mouf' from a rap star who released an amazing album every year on Def Jam and even had the name and release date of the next one on deck in the album credits....and this is Def Jam we're talking about.

Back under the tree from the chimney, this new 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' like journey features a new Santa for our generation with a naughty and nice list on a tablet and a 'Just For Men' beard, because Santa's been around longer than that milk you left out, so why shouldn't he spoil himself? 'Dashing Through The Snow', it's the favourite Lil Rel Howrey who pulls on the fake-beard and bites the head off a gingerbread, maaaan. After his "T.S. Motherf#####g A" coming out party on Jordan Peele's revolutionary horror, 'Get Out', Howrey balled out in movies like NBA stars Kyrie Irving's 'Uncle Drew' and LeBron James and Bugs Bunny's 'Space Jam: A New Legacy'. Now, the guy that knows when you've been naughty, feels like everyone's best friend like Ryan Reynolds in 'Free Guy'. Lil Rel makes a great big Santa is a comedy that keeps the spirit alive, like Will Ferrell's 'Elf' that we still believe in after all these advent calendars. What else could you expect when this man sweats glitter? He probably flosses with tinsel. Yet nothing is hilarious as when he bails out of any ride like this was GTA...and if you don't get that reference, it's "wasted" on you. Just kidding, but it's serious business when this Santa is on the run from a gang of Grinches who are green with envy at what this guy's holding in his sack (erm). This Saint Nick is the s### , and you best believe he can deliver. Even if it’s only once a year. Check the cynicism with the wreath at the door, like Luda's character. Come on, it's Christmas. 

There's a lot worse you could unwrap this December 25th, like socks, even if I could sure use a pair at this holy part of the year. You know what Christmas is all about, and this year the whole family are invited to the table like the second season of Tim Allen's 'The Santa Clauses' spin-off series from his hit holiday movie (also streaming through the snow on Disney +). Madison Skye Validum is a star on the top of the tree of a future as Bridges' daughter Charlotte, who could never be a non-believer like pops. Having faith in him, even when he finds it hard to look to the future because he is too snow-blinded by the past and all those fairy lights. 'The Office's' Oscar Nunez also clocks in as a corrupt congressman, with comedian and Gail the Snail from 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' Mary Lynn Rajskub running interference with a gang of goons on the chase for Claus. But in this tale from Tim Story ('Barbershop', 'Ride Along' and the 'Fantastic Four'), penned to Santa by Scott Rosenberg, we don't get enough time with Teyonah Parris, home for the holidays after going intergalactic with Brie Larson and Iman Vellani last week. Yet she's still a real marvel in a fun, family, festive film you shouldn't dismiss like those who seem happier to see the M.C.U. Mickey Mouse property fail, than they are simply enjoying a move, which is supposed to be the reason we head to theatres or subscribe to these services in the first place. So as you lift your laptop lids like a pizza box, don't let this treat go cold in the scary hours after Halloween before Christmas. You know, Yuletide films are meant to deck the halls like this. Just wait until you see Rudolph and the 'Rocky' loving gang roll-up from the jump. You can't stop the reign, dear. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Christmas Chronicles', 'The Santa Clauses', 'Fred Claus'.