Having never heard of this film but stumbling upon it and decided it looked interesting enough to warrant a view. The plot is relatively simple yet somewhat engaging- we seem to be interested in both lead characters actions from the start.

However this film is not such a covert as people may be expecting. It is not another "Bad Santa" type. It is more so depressing and at times dull. The chemistry is decent as are the acting but the film doesn't seem to go anywhere within its climax. Ultimately what we get is a depressing and disappointing ending.

In Quebec, thief Dennis (Paul Giamatti) gets out on probation after 4 years in prison. He returns home to unreceptive wife Therese who wishes to marry Rene (Paul Rudd) when he finally divorces his wife. He has no prospects and no place to live. He wants to buy his daughter a piano but has no money. He pushes Dennis to take him to NYC to sell Christmas trees. Olga (Sally Hawkins) buys a tree and Dennis delivers it. He makes more money stealing.

Rudd and Giamatti are good comedic actors when the material is there for them. This is a rambling unfunny story. The duo don't develop good chemistry. Sally Hawkins has a weird Russian accent. With such talented actors, this is a failure of the writing.

Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd in a film also known as Almost Christmas and you expect a festive comedy and instead you get this dreary downer.

Giamatti is Dennis, a small time crook in Canada just out of prison who had found his best friend has shacked up with his wife and his daughter was told that her father had died.

Paul Rudd plays the buddy Rene and in order to survive Christmas and buy Dennis's daughter a piano they go to New York to sell Christmas trees and it seems they are not good at that. Dennis befriends a Russian lady who helps him out by giving him selling tips. Dennis and Rene who do not sound like Canadians especially French-Canadians bicker and argue and get into scrapes.

The film meanders, is very dull without an ounce of comedy. It really is a feel bad festive film.