A Merry Friggin' Christmas (Also known as A Merry Christmas Miracle) is a 2014 American black comedy film directed by Tristram Shapeero and written by Phil Johnston. The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Clark Duke, Oliver Platt, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tim Heidecker, Candice Bergen, and Robin Williams. The film was released by Phase 4 Films on November 7, 2014. The film received generally negative reviews from critics.
Plot
Boyd Mitchler must spend Christmas with his estranged family of misfits. Upon realizing that he left all of his son's gifts at home, he hits the road with his dad in an attempt to make the 8-hour round trip before sunrise.
Cast
Joel McHale as Boyd Mitchler
Robin Williams as Virgil Mitchler, Boyd's father
Lauren Graham as Luann Mitchler, Boyd's wife
Candice Bergen as Donna Mitchler, Boyd's mother
Clark Duke as Nelson Mitchler, Boyd's younger brother
Wendi McLendon-Covey as Shauna Mitchler-Weinke, Boyd's older sister
Tim Heidecker as Dave Weinke, Shauna's husband
Pierce Gagnon as Douglas Mitchler, Boyd & Luann's son
Amara Miller as Pam Mitchler, Boyd & Luann's daughter
Ryan Lee as Rance Weinke, Shauna & Dave's son
Bebe Wood as Vera Weinke, Shauna & Dave's daughter
Oliver Platt as Hobo Santa
Amir Arison as Farhad
Mark Proksch as Trooper Zblocki
Gene Jones as Glen
Jeffrey Tambor as Snow Globe Snowman (voice)
Production
Principal photography began in April 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. Williams died on August 11, 2014, before the film was released and was dedicated to his memory.
Release
The film was released by Phase 4 Films on November 7, 2014. It is the first film starring Robin Williams to be released after his death on August 11, 2014.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 14%, based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 3.45/10. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 28 out of 100, based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".