(courtesy IMP Awards)
SNAPSHOT
When Santa’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) iconic red bag is stolen by a rogue elf with a grudge (Awkwafina), Christmas is suddenly at risk. With his biggest night of the year fast-approaching, Santa recruits a thief (Alan Ritchson) from his ‘Naughty List’ who quickly assembles a crew of criminally skilled misfits — with a little help from elves & reindeer — to pull off the most unexpected heist of their lives. Packed with holiday magic, big laughs, and plenty of heart, The Man with the Bag is a holiday heist adventure about second chances, unlikely friendships, and discovering that sometimes even Santa needs a little help delivering Christmas. The Man with the Bag is directed by American comedy filmmaker Adam Shankman, director of the films The Wedding Planner, A Walk to Remember, Bringing Down the House, The Pacifier, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Hairspray, Bedtime Stories, Rock of Ages, What Men Want, Disenchanted, and Stop! That! Train! previously, plus lots of work on TV & more. The screenplay is written by Allan Rice. Produced by Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, Dan Spilo, Alan Ritchson. (courtesy First Showing)
I love a Christmas in peril movie.
I hate the idea of Christmas being in jeopardy of course because it’s my absolute favourite time of the year, but I adore watching the shenanigans, and there’s always shenanigans, of everyone trying to make it doesn’t go the way of the Dodo.
There’s usually edge-of-the-seat action, a metric ton of quips and snappy dialogue, fun characters and a warm and cosy hug of an ending where the festive season is saved and everyone, even the bad guys, realise how special Christmas is.
So here’s to The Man with the Bag which looks set to tick all those boxes and makes the most wonderful time of the year, just a little more special.
The Man with the Bag premieres on Prime on 2 December.