Just last weekend, David E. Talbert's movie "Almost Christmas" was released. David E. Talbert is a renowned playwright, filmmaker, and author. Talbert wrote and directed the movie, and Universal Pictures, the American film studio, released the movie. "Almost Christmas" is a comedy-drama, also known as a dramedy, that follows a dysfunctional family during the holidays a year after the death of a loved one.

"Almost Christmas" opens up with a flashback between Walter Meyers, who is played by Danny Glover, the popular actor and film director, and Grace Meyers, who is played by French actress and model, Rachel Kylian. The flashback is presented in a chronological series and recounts the life the two lived together. Some scenes in the flashback include times of struggle, but utter happiness, and the birth of the couple's children. Unfortunately, the flashback series becomes sadder as it progresses. In 2015, Grace passes away, and the scene ends in present day 2016, with a saddened Walter sitting in his room alone.

The remainder of the movie occurs over a duration of the five days leading up to Christmas Day. Walter has invited his four children and their respective families over for the holidays. The first to arrive was Walter's sister-in-law, who is addressed as Aunt May and played by Mo'Nique, the famous comedian and actress. Following Aunt May's arrival, Walter's eldest son and his wife, Christian and Sonya Meyers, arrive with their two children. Christian Meyers is played by Romany Malco, an actor and music producer, and Sonya Meyers is played by Nicole Ari Parker-Kodjoe, a popular actress. After Christian and Sonya arrive, Walter's youngest daughter, Rachel Meyers, arrives with her daughter. Rachel Meyers is played by Gabrielle Union, the world-renowned actress. The next children to follow suit are Walter's eldest daughter and youngest son, Cheryl Meyers and Evan Meyers. Cheryl Meyers arrives with her husband Lonnie, who are respectively played by Kimberly Elise and J. B. Smoove, both notable actors. Some time later, Evan Meyers arrives, and he is played by Jessie Usher, an upcoming actor.

The predominant cast is compromised of spectacular actors and actresses, but there were also cameos made by other famous celebrities. Monica Brown, the popular music artist, made a quick cameo in the movie as a waitress. DC Young Fly, the social media sensation, also snagged a small role in the movie as Evan's best friend. Keri Hilson also had a small role as a grocery store employee and an acquaintance to Rachel Meyers. Omar Epps adopted the role of Malachi, Rachel Meyers' childhood crush and her current love interest. Gladys Knight made a small appearance as a director of a homeless shelter. John Michael Higgins, who is better known for his other roles in "Pitch Perfect", "Pitch Perfect 2", and "The Best Man Holiday", had a small role as the political campaign manager of Christian Meyers.

While "Almost Christmas" features a dysfunctional family who contributes to its drama factor, the movie is ultimately hilarious. I experienced an innumerable amount of laughs during the movie's 111-minute duration. Additionally, the movie has a PG-13 rating, but review critics have argued that the movie's constant use of adult language and sexual innuendos should place the movie at a more restricted rating.

Overall, "Almost Christmas" was an amazing movie. The only complaint I have is that the movie felt rushed, which is probably due to trying to squeeze five days worth of activities in 111 minutes. Furthermore, the movie is fairly cliché and predictable. Despite these complaints, I would still rate the movie four stars and would recommend that everyone purchase a ticket and head to see this movie.