Billy Murray is tasked with trying to put on some type of successful live Christmas television program in the Hotel Carlyle as a blizzard blitzes New York City. He contemplates often just calling it quits on the show but with help from "visitors" and influenced somewhat by producers (one of which is Amy Poehler) and his "entertainment entourage" Murray is able to soldier through. Not without the "blues", Murray battles woe and is plentifully discouraged by the unfortunate circumstances that surround his disastrous Christmas special, undermined by the elements which keep away much-needed celebs. "Inserting" Chris Rock (who happens by while on his way home, trying to free himself from Murray's desperate grasp) into a musical number while undermining agent/manager Michael Cera's (Cera plays a character, not himself, although one might say he's basically playing a version of his own cultivated persona) attempts to woo him. With all the nonsense involving some offended by "Baby, It's Cold Outside", the song offers us a fun musical number in this Murray special as a waitress (wonderful cameo from Jenny Lewis) providing a rather depressed Bill a drink as Paul Schaffer (I just loved is inclusion in this special as a Murray tagalong) plays it on piano...Murray actually trying to convince Lewis that he's serious that it is very cold outside in and out of the music number just cracked me up for some reason. "Wow, you are so wasted on the hospitality industry." Maya Rudolph belting out a Christmas tune (she sort of saunters in, makes Schwartzman gulp down a martini, takes a mic, and lets it rip as Paul piano plays) is quite a highlight while Murray serves as a salve to the souring evening for engaged couple Schwartzman and Rashida Jones whose marriage ceremony (and honeymoon) was interrupted by the storm much like Murray's television special...Murray hands them a mic and has them reach back to that moment they fell in love, singing to each other as to rekindle that spark dour due to events beyond their control. "Fairytale of New York" is probably my personal favorite number, if just because Johansen (of "Scrooged" and his New York Dolls), Lewis, and Murray work so effectively together as a unit, in and out on the lyrics singing before all in attendance join in for a chorus. Cyrus and "Silent Night" was a surprise (Murray passes out after downing shots, awakening on a glistening white "set in Queens", with Paul on piano, as George Clooney and Miley Cyrus arrive in a sleigh to join him) because I wasn't anticipating any Christian songs to be featured...and Cyrus, whose vocal caliber is unquestionably excellent, really has the octave to reach quite a range. But don't worry because that is followed up by Murray and Clooney jamming to bluesy "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'", surrounded by white trees beaming with white lights under an odd blue hue for a peculiar aesthetic choice. Murray wears a Santa cape and hat in that one, while returning to the tuxedo for "Let it Snow". Murray seems to have fun chemistry with Cyrus who is chummy and comfortable with him as well...considering she seemed to be a quick addition to the special makes her work all the more impressive. Clooney understands that he is in the Cary Grant stage of his career, working his charm without too much heavy lifting dramatic-wise. Fans of Murray I think will appreciate this perhaps more than just casual fans of the Christmas season. The Coppola connection (directed, written and produced by the likes of Sophia and Roman) makes sense considering their relationship with Murray. Murray's connection to Christmas through "Scrooged" is somewhat played for amusement here as he mentions being a Ghost of Christmas Past (and Johansen appearing, too) to Schwartzman. I am curious if this 56 minute Christmas special has any enduring legacy or cult value in correlation with this time of year. Perhaps it might function well as a companion to "Scrooged". It does offer plenty of songs connected to the holiday and Bill performs throughout. I think it is entertaining if perhaps not a serious treasure, but Murray's involvement does maybe give it some gravitas. It is very breezy in presentation and there is really no attempt at developing any sort of story beyond Murray wasting Christmas Eve with whoever is available in the hotel (and his dream). Not for everyone.
Review of A Very Murray Christmas
A Very Murray Christmas
(2015 TV Special)
A Very Murray Christmas
10 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers