'Fitzgerald Family Christmas' review: LI reunion

As a result, Burns is back on home turf with "The Fitzgerald Family Christmas," which focuses on a large clan reuniting on Long Island and was filmed all over the area, including in Burns' hometown of Valley Stream. Featuring nine Fitzgeralds, plus friends and neighbors, it's stuffed fuller than a Christmas bird, and with more than a little corn. But this low-budget film is also a genuine charmer with appealingly natural performances and the kind of holiday warmth that can't be manufactured.

Burns plays Gerry Fitzgerald, a salt-of-the-suburbs type who runs a local tavern and pays regular visits to his ma, Rosie (a wonderful Anita Gillette). He's trying to herd the siblings together for Christmas dinner, a job made even harder this year by the sudden appearance of Jim (Long Beach's Ed Lauter), the father who abandoned them. The news triggers varying reactions -- from cheerful acceptance to seething rage -- and dredges up years of intra-family drama.

"Fitzgerald" benefits from a fine cast in the sibling roles, particularly Michael McGlone (a "McMullen" veteran) as the rough-edged Quinn and Kerry Bishé as snotty Sharon. Connie Britton (ABC's "Nashville") feels like an afterthought as Gerry's love interest, Nora, but on balance this movie hits more true notes than false ones. Tyler Perry is thanked in the credits.

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