Year: 2015
Runtime: 56 min
Language: English
Director: Sofia Coppola
When a snowstorm derails a planned Christmas television special, Bill Murray and his friends find themselves stranded at a New York hotel. Determined to spread holiday cheer despite the setback, Murray rallies the group for an impromptu performance filled with music, comedy, and unexpected guests. What begins as a simple attempt to salvage the evening evolves into a heartwarming and hilarious celebration of friendship and the joy of the season.
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On December 24, the beloved Bill Murray (playing himself) finds himself in his hotel suite at the Carlyle, slowly coming to terms with the fact that a massive snowstorm has led to the cancellation of most guests for his live Christmas special. As the clock ticks down, his determined producers, Liz (played by Amy Poehler) and Bey (portrayed by Julie White), pressure him to proceed with the show since he would face financial repercussions if he canceled.
Despite the minimal crew present, Murray takes to the stage live. However, mid-performance, an emotional wave overtakes him, causing him to dissolve into tears and hastily exit the studio. In his escape from the hotel, he unexpectedly encounters Chris Rock, compelling him into a spontaneous rendition of > “Do You Hear What I Hear?” During an unforeseen power outage, Rock makes a quick exit, and the producers relay to Murray that since the outage is classified as an Act of God, the special may be canceled without repercussions.
Filled with relief at the prospect of cancellation, Murray heads to the hotel bar where he shares a heartfelt song with an anonymous waitress, Jenny Lewis. Their evening takes a turn when they overhear chaos in the kitchen, where the team of French chefs, led by Phoenix, is in a frenzy as their fridges fail and food is on the brink of spoilage. Murray actively encourages the chefs to transport their bounty to the bar for the few remaining patrons.
As he returns, he crosses paths with a distraught bride, Rashida Jones, who confides in him about her wedding being called off due to the unforgiving cold and a recent fight with her fiancé, Elliot. In a show of festive spirit, the French chefs perform “Alone on Christmas Day,” followed by the lounge singer, Maya Rudolph, serenading the crowd with “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
Subsequently, the bride returns, wheeling in a magnificent cake, seeking Murray’s insight into his theory of love. He prompts her and Elliot to remember the moment they first fell in love, leading the couple to perform “I Saw the Light,” culminating in their joyous re-engagement. As the clock strikes 12:01 AM, the remaining guests come together to wish each other a merry Christmas, harmonizing on “Fairytale of New York.” In a comical turn of events, Murray, having indulged in a bit too much to drink, succumbs to slumber.
While in a deep sleep, Murray envisions awakening on an extravagant set amid his Christmas special. In this whimsical dream, he is joined by George Clooney and Miley Cyrus. As Clooney expertly mixes martinis, Murray and Cyrus delightfully sing “Sleigh Ride” together. Following a series of joyful musical numbers between the trio, Murray eventually jolts awake back in his suite at the Carlyle, realizing with a start that it is still Christmas.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:14
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