Pottersville

Ok so this is definitely not your run of the mill Christmas Film, in fact I'm not sure it's really a Christmas Film at all, but it is a truly fun, bizarre ride that stars Michael Shannon as a stereo typical general store owner that not so stereo typically accidentally becomes Bigfoot and in doing so saves his small town that is struggling to survive during rough economic times. It's got a Coen Brothers tongue and cheek feel to it all; think O Brother Where Art Thou meets It's a Wonderful Life. The cast is truly top notch. Alongside Shannon, Judy Greer stars as the loveable shop-keeper; Ron Perlman stars as the local sheriff who's cheating with Shannon's wife, Christina Hendricks, and Thomas Lennon and Ian McShane battle as two capable and incapable hunters of Bigfoot. It's a bizarre story indeed but if you are willing to jump on board and go for the ride, it's truly a fun one. Henrikson in his directing debut does not take himself overly serious, but creates an interesting juxtaposition by overly playing the earnestness of some truly bizarre circumstances (Ron Perlman and Christina Hendricks cheating on Michael Shannon IN HIS OWN BEDROOM while wearing FURRY COSTUMES, Michael Shannon getting extremely drunk and dressing up as Bigfoot and then deciding that he must continue to dress up as Bigfoot to save his town, Thomas Lennon as an "Australian?" Bigfoot Hunter seeking the help from a grizzled moonshiner, Ian McShane, to hunt down and possibly kill Bigfoot). The camera adds a fun sense of whimsicality to the story, hearkening imagery from Jean-Pierre Jeunet films. I'm not sure what this film is. It's kind of a Christmas Story, but not really. It's kind of a drama about a small town falling on hard times, but not really. It's kind of a monster hunter broad comedy, but not really. But whatever it is, it somehow bizarrely worked for me, but walk into it knowing it's a little different.

Review Date 12/30/2018 I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films. This film is a little uneven and its not really a Christmas movie. However there is plenty of laughs and a good cast that makes this a fum watch. Maynard Grieger is a general store owner in Pottersville, a fictional small town that is struggling since the Pottersville Mill closed. Returning home early from work to surprise his wife, Connie, he finds that she is a furry, along with Jack, the sheriff. Connie states that she needs more excitement in her life, and would like some time apart from Maynard. Maynard drunkenly returns to his store, and after telling his story to his cashier, Parker, dresses up in a gorilla costume and walks around town, startling many individuals. The next morning, Maynard awakes to find that he was misidentified as Bigfoot. Intending to confess, Maynard realizes the potential economic benefits from tourism that Bigfoot may bring, and perpetuates the story by continuing to dress up. Watch and have fun

Did no one else get the Jaws spoof? Not to mention all of the paranormal spoofs. Quirky and funny. If you were looking for a holiday romance then no wonder you are disappointed. Well written and acted.

I can absolutely see this plot done in the '40s with any of the screwball comedy stars. It's well made, top to bottom, one of those that feels like everyone involved went home satisfied with their work. It is amusing to watch actors so capable of intensity 'play house with the kids'. It took a while to stop expecting someone to pick up a baseball bat and beat somebody to death.

12/25/17. This was actually a cute holiday-time movie that was surprisingly enjoyable to watch. I say that because I would never picture Shannon doing such a movie, and he was good! It's almost like a modern day take off on It's a Wonderful Life. Catch it!

This movie proves we can make a decent movie without resorting to harsh language and grossing ourselves out. We need more of these. Still wanna see Ian McShane and Ron Perlman go toe-to-toe...