LOS ANGELES, CA — Just in time for the holidays, actor and comedian Eddie Murphy leads an all-star cast that includes Tracee Ellis Ross, David Alan Grier, Robin Thede, Jillian Bell, and more into the world of Candy Cane Lane exclusively on Prime Video. A hilarious yet engaging trailer regarding the plot could be just what many need during this particular time of the holiday season.
A man who is hyper than an employee who gets his paycheck every two weeks, Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) is ready to celebrate his beloved holiday, Christmas. However, this will be one Christmas he or his family will never forget. Carver heads to work only to learn that the company has sold, and he is the unfortunate recipient of being laid off. Figuring out what to do, Carver still looks to give his family a considerable holiday extravaganza. After trying to figure out his next move with his wife, Carol Carver (Tracee Ellis Ross), he learns of a holiday contest in his El Segundo, California neighborhood that could provide him with a much-needed $100,000 cash prize. Determined to shine his neighbors for the contest, Carver and his daughter Holly Carver (Madison Thomas) set out on an adventure to dominate Christmas.
The two stumble upon a pop-up elf shop under a freeway that houses some of the most extravagant Christmas items, which lure Carver to eventually meet a manipulative and conniving lost elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell). She gets Carver to sign his life away after purchasing holiday items for the chance to win the cash prize that will reveal the reward, which is paid in vouchers and tacos. The chemistry between Murphy and Ellis Ross is astonishing. However, the film’s other stars are the two newscasters, Emerson (Timothy Simons) and Kit (Danielle Pinnock), who indeed had the one-liners down to science between them. Emerson’s dry humor and sarcasm matched fantastically with Kit’s enthusiastic and funnier one-liners throughout the film.
An illustrious balance between comedy and dark moments in the film keeps the audience engaged towards the end. Chris eventually learns of Pepper’s ways from the miniature holiday character that she has cursed due to not fulfilling the terms of her deal. As time runs out for Chris to collect the rings needed to avoid a permanent curse, he turns to his family and sees their assistance is not only required but also truly understands the meaning of family and teamwork. The Carver’s other daughter Joy (Genneya Walton) and son Nick (Thaddeus J. Mixon) scramble the neighbor for the remainder of the rings.
Pepper continued to change the rules and cheated to paint Chris in a corner; a special appearance of Santa Claus (David Alan Grier) showed the Carvers the true meaning of Christmas and reminded them of what two rings are the most valuable.
Director Reginald Hudlin did an excellent job with the guidance of the film and keeping the main thing simple the main thing, which is the importance of the holiday spirit. A broad audience should see this holiday movie as only Murphy and Ellis Ross could share the responsibility of disseminating the message to audiences most comically.
This film also features the talents of DC Young Fly, Chris Redd, Nick Offerman, James Dumont and many more. Available for viewing on Prime Video Friday December 1.
*Candy cane Lane – 9/10 review.*
Many attended the red carpet and participated in the festivities at a Candy Can Lane winter wonderland in Los Angeles. Those who attended included Raphael Saadiq, Jordin Sparks, Kel Mitchell, Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Thaddeus J. Mixon, Chloe Bailey, Robin Thede, David Alan Grier, Miss Diddy, Reginald Hudlin, and a host of others.
