A Very Funny Christmas

A Very Funny Christmas compiles two BBC-aired programs adapted from books by English comedian and actor David Walliams (who also plays characters in both). Based on 2009's Mr. Stink (which was illustrated by Roald Dahl staple Quentin Blake), the first entry follows the titular homeless man (Hugh Bonneville), who “stank and stunk” so badly that visible stink lines waft off him, but he still attracts the friendship of lonely ‘tween girl Chloe (Nell Tiger Free). Yet the pair's bond is tested when Mr. Stink takes up residence in the family's shed and Chloe's politics-hungry mom draws media attention with her vehement anti-homeless stance. The adaptation of 2009's Gangsta Granny takes a bit of a darker tone, at first joking about boring grandma's (Julia McKenzie) cabbage soup and flatulence, plumbing-loving young Ben's discovery of Granny's jewelry stash (and subsequent thievery), and the antics of his ballroom dance-crazed parents. But ultimately the story shifts to sadness with Granny's mysterious terminal illness. Also featuring Robbie Williams and Joanna Lumley (who has a rather funny bit as the Queen), this holiday double-feature is a strong optional purchase. (J. Williams-Wood)