Menorah in the Middle

source: Menorah in the Middle

Very badly written film with a decent cast of actors. I wanted this to be so much better than what it was. It had a lot of promise until it got to the plot points. It is inconceivable that a Jewish family in a Jewish movie wouldn't know a Lawyer or insurance broker. The plot is all about the father's 30K hospital bill. Did anyone ask about hospital bed-funds? Maybe I am too Jewish for this movie. Disappointed. The plot holes could have easily been corrected. I did like Adam Busch and Lucy Devitto. Seriously though, a chapter 7 bankruptcy would clear up all problems here and leave them back on top again. Too bad no one here knows a lawyer.

This movie is every bit as good as its Xmas counterparts - and better than many of those I have seen! The acting wasn't unbearable, the jokes were corny but obviously intentionally so, and I thought the story was well-paced. If you're looking for a "rom com" this may not fit the bill but I would argue that these movies rarely do. Romantic, sure, but hardly comedies outside of a sprinkling of comic relief. I must concede that the leads were both kind of spineless and hard to root for. However, I thought the story itself was interesting, the parents and brother were compelling characters, and even Chad had me wondering what his deal actually was (up until his "win win" scene). I also enjoyed the dreidel game scene, the guest stars, and the b story of the brother. I wasn't a fan of the weird lighting and did think it seemed like they went a little overboard with making Jewish references or jokes, but knowing how limited specifically Jewish movies are I feel like this may be the cause. Either creators haven't quite figured out the formula or audiences used to being inundated with Christmas and Christian references are more sensitive to Jewish references.

This is a hallmark Chanukah movie written by goyim who are taking their best guess. I am so unsettled and just straight flummoxed. I am Jewish and have a sinking feeling I am their intended audience. I'm from a Jewish area on Long Island where we went to summer camp. Other than that I am astonished at how un-Jewish this movie is, so much so that I can only assume Hulu had to step in to dial down the Judaism like NBC did with Seinfeld. There would be no emotional or heartwarming moments. There was such an absence of humor that it felt like a death. No one was fighting. The sanitizing of Jewish life is almost insulting but there are luckily great movies that get it right.. watch Wet Hot American Summer or Uncut Gems or Curb Your Enthusiasm instead.

I couldn't get past the disgusting attitude of that that greasy faced ding dong with muscles to find him remotely funny! The way he was just so ignorant to everything related to the customs, and his possessiveness over his fiancé, absolutely unwatchable! It really all comes down to the writing, it's like out of nowhere he was rude to the "boy next door". It was infuriating during that scene when he decided he called the shots for the family business! This isn't a run of the mill feel good holiday film. I tried my best to ignore the dimwit (and the random guy with the guitar) and watch everything else. This is NOT on my rewatch list!

For some reason I've been in the mood to watch all the garbage (i.e. Hallmark/Lifetime and their ilk) holiday movies this year. Most of them are watchable even if they are forgettable. I was genuinely excited for this one since there are few Hanukkah options. But sadly, it is just truly bad and it starts right at the opening scene where the protagonist is in "Paris" with a mime taking up half the scene. There's also this awkward minstrel that shows up at odd intervals to add narration that in no way fits with the tone of the movie. It seems like the soundtrack was taken from the rejected score from Fiddler on the Roof. The director also apparently doesn't believe in lighting. It was just rough from start to finish. It was like they looked at a list of Yiddish words and placed them at random intervals in the script and called it a day. The plot is bordering on nonsensical and absolutely no one broke a sweat coming up with the business names in this movie (Panda Bread, Becker Family Bread). If I wasn't such a glutton for punishment, I would have turned it off.

Family friendly Hanukkah film. Amazing cast! We very much enjoyed this Hanukkah movie. Sarah Silverman shins in this film, and her rabbi sister is also in the movie. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman's daughter Lucy DeVito stars in this film too. This film was authentically Jewish, this was not a Christmas movie with a few Hanukkah elements like many of the films in this genre that come from Hallmark and Lifetime that barely even mention Hanukkah. The Jewish characters are actually played by Jewish actors and it shows, this movie is the best Hanukkah movie so far! I hope Hulu makes more in the future! This movie was great, it's nice to see some Hanukkah representation. It was nicely done. The film showcases some classic Jewish foods and traditions.

This movie was marvelous from the intense plot to the green flakey latkes and the imense Jeiwsh culture it was truly enjoyable. It was a cute light hearted film about a family drowning in dept due to their fathers trajic heart attack and hospital bills. Luckily for them their strikinly charming daughters goy finance was quick to "help" them out. Little did they know about his true evil intensions. This movie is all inclusive and represents the power of rugalah. I recommend this wholesome sweet movie to anyone who wants to have a laugh with family and friends and enjoy a sweet movie. What a cute film!

When I heard the history behind how the movie was made, I was skeptical. I appreciate it when any tv provider attempts a Hanukkah movie. It's even better when it's executed well. For people of the culture and faith, it's a great reminder of the holiday, the family, and the miracle. It gives you the Hallmark feel without watching the channel. A daughter bringing home a finance' that doesn't understand the faith or the culture. An old flame in the boy next store. A struggling multigenerational family business. Some great laughs and tears. A quintessential holiday movie. Take a moment a treat yourself to the movie. Don't miss out. And if you are looking for another movie to make I have a story for you.

Enjoyed this movie so much! Cute light hearted film for the family highly recommended! Sarah Silverman especially added a nice sense of comedy. The movie highlights the truth about how hospitals destroy small business in America, and shines light on this tragic issue. My heart sincerely goes out to anyone experiencing this. Love seeing all the Jewish geography and how it ended up saving the day. Grab your family and some latkes and sit tight for 1:27.5 minutes because your in for a delightful Chanukah treat! P. S. Sarah Silverman if you are reading this at night before bed please don't drink water after 7:00. Thank you!