Michelle Pfeiffer. Amazon MGM Studios.

Okay, real talk. It’s the mamas of the family who do the heavy lifting during the holiday season, and it’s the mamas who are overlooked during the hubbub and the chaos. Merriman Park Elementary alum and New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker explores this idea in her new holiday movie “Oh. What. Fun.”

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Baker wrote the short story, and she co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Showalter. Academy Award nominee Michelle Pfeiffer plays Claire Clauster, the rudder of the family’s ship, expertly trimming the tree, icing the cookies and selecting the gifts for her oblivious clan. She plans a holiday outing, but they accidentally leave her behind — the final straw which sends her on a spontaneous adventure of her own. Their efforts to find her — and the wackiness that ensues — create a spirited holiday comedy honoring overworked moms everywhere.

Denis Leary plays Claire’s husband, and their grown children are played by Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones, Chloe Grace Moretz and Dominic Sessa.

While you’re watching, don’t miss the film’s great soundtrack, including original music from Grammy winner Gwen Stefani. Her new song, “Shake the Snow Globe,” was written specially for the show, and Lake Highlands’ own St. Vincent is among numerous other artists contributing tracks.

“Oh. What. Fun.” debuts Dec. 3 on Prime Video. You may watch a trailer here.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.