It’s that time of year again — Christmas time. It’s the time for caroling, overeating and the odd Christmas movie. Past years have seen some classics including “Elf” and “Love Actually,” but 2008 is still searching for its Christmas glory. In search of such a prize, Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon have united this holiday season for “Four Christmases.”

The film follows the odd romance of Vaughn and Witherspoon as it is put to the greatest test of all: their families. Both sets of parents have divorced and are holding separate Christmas celebrations in different parts of town. Ergo, they must visit four Christmases. Clever, no?
Let’s make something very clear — there is absolutely no on-screen chemistry between Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. None. Zip. Zilch.

Witherspoon’s sophisticated, somewhat prissy woman (as she plays in most of her latest roles) does not mesh with Vaughn’s motor-mouthed, somewhat crazy portrayal of Brad. Think “Wedding Crashers” without Owen Wilson, and you’ll have an idea of the kind of banter Vaughn rattles off (it is absolutely glorious).

With that said, “Four Christmases” is a gem of a holiday movie. It does not try to be anything other than a fluffy, entertaining Christmas story. Its love story is believable, but “Casablanca” it is not. The laughs are easy and ever present (thanks mostly to the antics of Vaughn), and you’ll find yourself leaving the theater with a smile.

It’s not going to win any Oscars, but that is not what “Four Christmases” is trying to accomplish. It only wants your eight bucks and to entertain you for a little while. Definitely worth the money.