This Christmas: A Comprehensive Guide to the Cast and Their Contributions

Introduction

This Christmas, released in 2007, is a holiday classic that has become a cherished tradition for families and viewers worldwide. The film, directed by Preston A. Whitmore II, boasts an exceptional cast of talented actors who bring warmth, laughter, and heart to their respective roles. This article delves into the world of This Christmas, examining the contributions of each cast member and exploring the reasons why their performances resonated with audiences.

The Whitleys: A Family of Love and Conflict

The Whitley family is the central focus of This Christmas. Each member brings their unique personality and perspective to the heartwarming and often hilarious holiday gathering.

Lauren Whitley (Loretta Devine)

Loretta Devine portrays Lauren, the matriarch of the Whitley family. She is a strong and loving mother who faces personal struggles while trying to keep her family together during a challenging time.

Joe Whitley (Delroy Lindo)

Delroy Lindo plays Joe, Lauren's husband and a successful businessman. His stern exterior belies a caring heart, and he often clashes with his rebellious son, Malcolm.

Lisa Whitley (Regina King)

Regina King stars as Lisa, the eldest daughter of the Whitley family. She is a successful lawyer and a single mother who tries to balance her professional and personal lives.

Malcolm Whitley (Columbus Short)

Columbus Short brings to life Malcolm, the troubled and rebellious son of Lauren and Joe. His anger stems from unresolved issues with his father, and he often finds himself at odds with the rest of the family.

Quentin Whitfield (Idris Elba)

Idris Elba appears as Quentin, Lisa's wealthy and charming fiancé. His presence initially causes tension within the family, as some members question his true intentions.

The Supporting Cast: Bringing Depth and Humor

Beyond the Whitley family, a talented supporting cast brings additional layers of depth and humor to the film.

Shirley Whitfield (Chris Tucker)

Chris Tucker plays Shirley, Quentin's flamboyant and eccentric brother. His antics provide much-needed comic relief while also shedding light on family dynamics.

Ma'Dere Whitfield (Cicely Tyson)

Cicely Tyson portrays Ma'Dere, Quentin and Shirley's wise and compassionate mother. She serves as a guiding force for the family, offering sage advice and unconditional love.

Aunt May (Mabel King)

Mabel King brings warmth and humor to the role of Aunt May, a long-time family friend who provides her own unique perspective on the holiday festivities.

Cast Contributions and Impact

Each member of the This Christmas cast made significant contributions to the film's overall impact:

• Loretta Devine: Her portrayal of Lauren captured the complexities of a strong matriarch navigating family challenges.

• Delroy Lindo: Lindo's performance as Joe showcased the inner turmoil and love hidden beneath a stoic exterior.

• Regina King: King brought depth and nuance to Lisa, a character struggling to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

• Columbus Short: Short's performance as Malcolm resonated with audiences, highlighting the complexities of troubled youth.

• Idris Elba: Elba's charisma and charm made Quentin both appealing and relatable as Lisa's potential love interest.

• Chris Tucker: Tucker's comedic skills injected humor into the film, providing a much-needed balance against the family's emotional moments.

• Cicely Tyson: Tyson's portrayal of Ma'Dere added wisdom and warmth to the story, grounding the film in the timeless values of family and tradition.

• Mabel King: King's Aunt May brought a sense of nostalgia and sweetness to the film, representing the enduring bonds of family and community.

Why 'This Christmas' Matters

This Christmas resonates with audiences for several reasons:

• Authentic Family Dynamics: The film portrays the complexities of family relationships, capturing both the love and conflict that can exist within them.

• Universal Themes: The film explores universal themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of family unity, making it relatable to audiences from all backgrounds.

• Holiday Nostalgia: The film evokes a sense of holiday nostalgia, capturing the traditions, gatherings, and emotions associated with the Christmas season.

• Emotional Impact: The performances of the cast elicit a range of emotions, from laughter and warmth to tears and reflection, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong and relatable cast
• Authentic family dynamics
• Universal themes and emotional impact
• Holiday nostalgia

Cons:

• Some characters may be underdeveloped
• Resolution of conflicts may feel rushed in certain instances
• Length of the film may be a drawback for some viewers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlooking the depth and nuance of the characters' relationships.
• Dismissing the film as "just another holiday movie."
• Underestimating the film's impact on audiences.
• Ignoring the film's explorations of universal themes and family dynamics.

FAQs

1. Who directed This Christmas?
   - Preston A. Whitmore II

2. Who plays Lauren Whitley?
   - Loretta Devine

3. What is the name of Malcolm Whitley's love interest?
   - Kelly

4. Who portrays Ma'Dere Whitfield?
   - Cicely Tyson

5. Which character provides comic relief in the film?
   - Shirley Whitfield (Chris Tucker)

6. What is the main conflict within the Whitley family?
   - Malcolm's resentment towards his father, Joe.

7. How long is the film?
   - 113 minutes

8. What is the critical reception of This Christmas?
   - The film received generally positive reviews, with praise for its cast, storytelling, and emotional impact.

Key Statistics

• Box Office Gross: $57.1 million worldwide
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%
• Metacritic Score: 63 out of 100
• IMDb User Rating: 7.2 out of 10

Tables

Table 1: Character Profiles

Table 2: Cast Contributions

Table 3: Audience Impact