Three Wiser Men and a Boy (2024) Movie Script

You are strong.
Capable.
A warrior.
There's no obstacle...
- Dad, hurry up!
...you can't overcome.
- I gotta go! I gotta go!
Okay, okay, okay.
Happy birthday,
Lucas James Brenner.
Luke, did you
remember the garbage?
Wait, wait, wait, wait!!!
Wait, wait!!!
Wait! This is not in
the spirit of Christmas!!
Welcome back 99.8
The Star with Rich and
Kathy in the mornings.
We're live with
Stephan Brenner, author and pet therapist.
Uh... former pet therapist.
I've evolved.
Oh, plot twist.
I love that.
You're here to talk about
your new book, Calm,
Cool, and Conquer.
That's right.
This time for humans.
Oh, I love this title
because it lets me know
this is a book for me.
But well, that's right.
Kathy, actually,
it's a book for everyone.
Believe it or not,
I used to suffer from
pretty crippling anxiety.
With the methods outlined
in this book,
I have been able to conquer mine
using something I've
described in Chapter 3
as a conscious reframing
when faced with adversity.
Oh, any tips on how to reframe
an overbearing mother-in-law?
I'm kidding.
I'm kidding.
Love you, Karen.
That's a fun noise.
No. It's more along the lines
of, oh, I don't know,
you tell me my car
is being towed,
I say nice day for a walk.
Basically, it's just
look on the bright side.
Uh... yeah, it's...
No, it's... it's...
I mean, it's a little more
involved than that.
Seventeen chapters
and a glossary involved.
Okay. Snooze.
I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
Come on.
Look, the holidays can be tough.
Financial stress, feelings
of inadequacy, family drama.
But I hope...
I... I know
that the methods in my book
can help people
as much as they've helped me.
Stay with us.
Coming up next, why roasting
chestnuts on an open fire
could actually kill you.
Ha, ha!!!
Yikes.
Good morning, Madison.
Terry, Trevor.
Another big day, Sid.
Every day is a big day.
Ain't that the truth?
Alright, Brian.
This is it.
Moment of truth.
You're gonna be talking about
this deal at dinner parties
for the rest of your life.
What's it gonna be?
No.
Come on. This is
the future of gaming, Bri.
You have to love the game.
Oh, we love it.
We do.
In fact, we wanna
make you an offer.
Alright. How much
are we talking?
Oh, not to invest.
We wanna buy it.
Own your game,
bring it in house,
and release it under a banner.
No. What?
No, Brian. This is my legacy.
I can't just hand it over
and sell out.
Sorry. We're just bringing
everything in house these days.
Hope you change your mind.
I really hope I don't.
Thank you for your time, Brian.
Appreciate it.
Merry Christmas.
Good morning.
Good morning, birthday boy.
Made your favorite.
Dad, I made you a pencil holder.
Yeah. This is a pencil holder.
This is the coolest pencil
holder I've ever seen.
Thanks, Buddy.
My ride share's here.
- Already?
- Yeah.
I feel so awful leaving
on your birthday.
It's so close to Christmas.
Are you sure you're
gonna be okay?
Yes. I know you save lives
for a living.
It's only for a week.
Your work's been planning this
conference for over a year.
You need to be there, Soph.
Besides, it'll give me
and the little man
some bonding time, right?
Alright.
You're the best.
No. No.
You're the best.
The best.
Thomas, get your jacket on.
You're gonna be late for school.
Let's go.
- His lunch is packed.
- Come on, let's go!
Oh, and don't forget,
the cookies for rehearsal
are on the counter.
Cookies, I got it.
Thomas, I love you
times a million.
Me too.
Will you be back for my show?
Absolutely. You excited?
Yep. It's gonna be the best
show ever.
Yes, it is.
What's your big line?
And Christmas was saved!!!
Wow!
Give that kid an award.
Alright. Bye.
Love you both.
Love you, babe.
Have a great trip.
Alright, kiddo.
It's just you and me
for the whole week.
What do you say we do first?
I gotta go to the bathroom.
Okay. That sounds about right.
Mr. Patsky, my
favorite landlord.
That's a lovely, lovely tie.
It brings out your
unpleasant stare.
Eviction notice at Christmas
a little Ebenezer Scrooge,
don't you think?
Scrooge was a very good
businessman, unlike you.
Thank you.
It's a nice thing to say.
Um... look, I'm on the brink
of a seven-figure deal. Okay?
The money's coming.
Just gotta give me
a few more months.
You said that a few months ago.
I didn't specify
how few a few is.
Look, I know you got a heart of
gold in that tense angry chest.
Can you really say
no to this face?
Yes.
Yes. As in I can stay?
No.
No as in, no, don't go.
You have until Friday
to move out.
Thank you, yeah.
Merry Christmas.
And to you.
There you are.
Oh. What are you doing here?
Well, you weren't at the house,
so I figured I
might find you here.
Aw.
These are for you.
Oh...
Thank you.
And this is for you.
There you go.
Lucky boy.
You're so sweet.
What's the occasion?
Oh, you know,
just, just because.
How was work last night?
I didn't hear you come in.
Well, the Nutcracker
cracked his mask,
but I guess that's part of
the life of being a costumer
during Christmas time and
having three shows on the go.
Oh, I have Thomas's costume
for the show.
It's... it's done,
and it turned out great.
It's super cute.
Good.
How about you?
How was the interview?
- Well...
- You know, I've been telling everyone
how hard you're working
and how much you've
changed this past year.
I know we've been together
for five years and...
well, actually five years,
eight months and three weeks,
- but who's counting.
- Yeah.
And, you know, this past year,
it's been really hard
with all the interviews and the
lectures and the talk shows,
like, I mean, who
even are you anymore?
Sus, you know exactly who I am.
I wrote a book about it.
Yeah.
Yeah, you sure did.
You should
have seen this interview.
It was incredible.
This book is gonna be huge.
This is just the beginning
of big things for us.
Many big things.
Oh, oh!!!!
What happened?
You alright?
Everything okay?
Yeah. I just...
I also noticed that
your shoelace is untied
and... and that's dangerous
walking around like that.
You could... you could
fall and hurt yourself.
So I'm... I'm... I'm glad you
you've tied that up now.
And that's great.
I mean, why else would you get
down on one knee in the park
after giving your
girlfriend flowers?
It's in the lyrics, Hernandez.
When you think of any snowman,
you think of a carrot.
But he's not just
any snowman, is he?
Okay.
- Chief.
- Chief.
Hey. Looking good.
Hey, Chief, what is Frosty
the Snowman's nose made of?
Well, he's got a button nose.
Thank you.
Hernandez completely
blew it last night at The Pine.
Okay.
At The Pine?
Yeah.
Is it Christmas trivia?
Yeah.
Why didn't anyone tell me?
I've been winning Christmas
trivia since college.
Well, no offense, Chief,
but you're so busy,
and we just didn't think
it'd be your vibe this year.
Come on. I might be Chief now,
and I'm raising a kid,
but I'm hip, I'm on the ball.
Is that your lunch, Chief?
Oh, and here are the files
for the new recruits tomorrow.
Got a few good ones in there.
Great. Well, I'll put
this stuff away
and I'll come out
and help you. Okay?
We got this Chief.
It's all under control.
Okay. Well, you know
where to find me.
Hey, Mom.
You're on mute.
I can't hear you.
Is my volume off or
is she on mute again?
You... you gotta... you gotta
push the button, Mom.
Alright.
It's the wrong button.
I mean, it's not a bad button.
Yo, yo.
Why is Mom in space?
Because she's an astronaut.
Mom, it's the microphone button.
Press the microphone.
Alright. Try this one.
Can you hear me now?
- Oh, hooray.
- Record time.
Nicely done.
Oh, I love doing these Zoomings.
We're not on Zoom, Mom.
No one says Zoomings.
I just wanna confirm that
you are all going to be here
for dinner tonight.
It's a very special evening,
and I want everyone here.
We're gonna be there.
I triple confirmed.
What's so special about it?
We'll all be there, Mom.
Don't worry about that.
I gotta pick Thomas up
from school and then we'll...
Oh, the cookies. The cook...
I forgot the cookies.
Steph, can you pass by my place,
grab the cookies on the counter
and bring them to the school?
No. I got another interview.
I'll be lucky if I make it in
time to drop off the costume.
Alright. That's fine.
That's fine.
Tay. You can do it.
What? No. I'm busy.
You're busy?
Yeah. What are you
what are you busy with?
What? I have a business.
I have an office.
Sid, Sid.
What are you doing?
Sorry, Taylor.
I'm kicking you out.
Well, that doesn't
look too good.
Is he in a new coffee shop?
What's happening?
It appears Taylor's getting
escorted from his office.
Again.
So, you can pick up
the cookies then?
And Christmas was saved!
Yes! Oh!
That was a fantastic
rehearsal, Katie!
Very nice.
And the rest of you,
remember, if you can't sing,
you smile big, okay, yes?
Gary, you're a smiler.
T-mas.
Uncle Taylor, did you
bring the cookies Mom made?
Even better.
Here.
- Cookies!!!
- Yay!!!
Cookies!
You must be Thomas's father.
Uncle. One of his uncles.
I'm the cool one.
Ha!
It's a Grump.
Isn't it supposed to be
the Grinch?
Eh, eh, eh, eh!
No. We can't afford that word,
so we...
It's how The Grump
Ruined Christmas.
Did I miss it?
Is it over?
Oh, rats!
You must be Thomas's father.
- His uncle.
- Mhmm.
One of his uncles.
I'm the cool one.
How was rehearsal?
Wonderful.
Considering I have no funding
or resources to speak of.
Oh, well, you're lucky...
because we happen to have
fixed all of Thomas' costumes.
That should help.
You're welcome.
Oh, yes. Such a help.
I mean, last week,
I spent 30 hours
building set pieces alone,
unpaid.
And then I... I sewed
all the costumes
until my fingers blistered.
But no, you resizing
one pair of pants
is absolutely a big help.
I mean, people like you are
the lifeblood of the theater.
So good rehearsal then?
Costumes go over here!
You know, I'm surprised more
parents aren't pitching in.
Oh...
No. Parents at this school
don't see the arts
as a form of self-expression.
They see me as
a free babysitter.
Well...
The only one helping
is Katie's dad, Ron.
Without Katie or Ron,
we wouldn't have a show.
The only other volunteer
is the piano player.
What's up?
You're playing
Limitless Horizon, huh.
I happen to know the gentleman
who designed that interface.
I have been told it's
pretty revolutionary.
Maybe... in 1987
That hurts.
Why do I like that?
Taylor.
Caroline.
So you go to school here?
No. No.
I do not.
Yeah. Me neither.
Hm.
Hannah, she's my niece.
Thomas. Nephew.
Cute kid.
Want one?
A child?
I mean I'm open.
Making friends?
Why?
What's in these cookies?
Are there peanuts in these?
Gotta go.
I can't take this guy anywhere.
That's it!
That's it!!
I played Hamlet
for goodness sake,
but I will no longer be
part of this tragedy!
Children, best of luck.
And to you...
I bid you adieu.
- Oh, hey Mr. B.
- Excuse me!
Hi, Dad.
Gigi!
Oh, look...
Oh, a big boy.
How are you?
You couldn't just grab
the cookies on the counter
like I asked you to?
All we ate was peanut
butter growing up.
How am I supposed to
know store-bought cookies are a hazard?
Everything's a hazard
when you're a parent.
Everything is a hazard.
Hi. Hello.
Hi. What's a hazard?
Taylor's a hazard.
Yep. He brought
the wrong cookies.
Cookies?
Oh, my goodness.
I bought cookies.
Guess who destroyed
all the sets and costumes
in ten seconds flat?
I'll give you a hint.
He's a giant and his name
rhymes with muffin.
Destroyed all the sets?
Large structures
need to be braced.
You can't have things that
unstable around children.
You're unstable around children.
You're... children.
Okay enough.
Enough with the finger-pointing.
- You're both at fault.
- Guys...
Sounds a lot like
finger-pointing.
Guys, please, please.
Can we just calm...
I'm so sorry about this.
It's all right. Just...
- We are calm.
- Have a seat.
We're calm.
We're calm.
Good. Okay.
- Sorry, ma.
- It's all right.
You wanna see finger-pointing?
This is finger-pointing.
Don't, don't, don't,
don't, don't, don't.
Get your finger out of my face.
Boom.
- You started the point.
- Do not point at me.
Where were you?
You weren't even there.
Boys.
Boys, boys! Hey!
Hi. I'd like you to
meet Pastor Roy.
Yeah.
He is... we're, uh...
he's my...
I'm your mom's boyfriend.
Oh!
He'll be al right.
Ma, I got you some wine.
So... where did
you two meet?
A dating app.
How did we not know
you could use apps?
How do we not know
you were dating?
Well...
I wanted to tell you,
but I mean, this isn't
like it's a new thing.
I have been on quite a number
of dates over the years.
Is Uncle Stephan
gonna pass out again?
Yeah. Probably.
Stephan, you...
you look... you okay?
I'm fine.
And... and I didn't pass out.
It looked like you passed out.
I was... I was... I was
resting my eyes.
On the hardwood floor.
What, am I on trial here?!
How long have you two been...
Well, it's been six
very special months, huh?
- Mmhmm.
- Right.
Does it...
it's like half a year.
Nice math you did there.
I wanted to tell you, but
you've all been so very busy,
and I wasn't sure
how you would react.
So I thought that
this might be nicer if
we were all together.
Is Roy gonna be my Grandpa?
Ah...
Buddy...
Thomas, I... I don't know
what the future holds,
but, um, I really like your Gigi
and, I'd like to get
to know you and your dad
and your uncles if that's okay.
Hey, you know, this is a change.
Change can be
a really good thing.
Really good thing.
That's why Roy, I hope that...
we hope that we can welcome
you into the family.
Thank you.
...traditions. The family
traditions.
The traditional things
we do as a family.
You saved it.
Nice job.
And speaking of the things we
do as a family, traditionally.
The lights, Mom.
I think we can set up
the lights this week.
Oh, well, um...
Roy has already agreed to come
over and put them up tomorrow.
He's already helped me decorate
a lot of the things
around the house.
Oh.
Roy is very good with his hands.
Oh.
He has fixed so many
things around here already.
Okay. I think I need
some air.
No Stephan, what are you doing?
Sit down.
I'm just gonna sit down.
You know how much I
love having you here.
All of my boys here on the
table at Christmas time,
you know how much
it means to me.
You were absolutely right.
- Why didn't I think of that?
- Think of what?
That's what we should be doing.
Let's get all the guys back
together under one roof.
You know, a gift for Mom.
We'll stay a week,
maybe even longer,
because what kind of sons
would we be
if we denied our
beautiful mother
such a wonderful
Christmas present?
Oh, I would love that.
It's very sweet.
I would love that.
There wouldn't be anything
I would love more
than having you all
under the same roof
especially at Christmastime.
Can we, daddy?
I think we can, Daddy.
Last I checked, your son
is a genius,
and he can do his coloring
homework right here
under a grateful Gigi's roof.
And speaking of school,
Gigi tells me that
you're in a play, Thomas.
It's canceled.
It's not canceled.
It's just seen some better days.
Oh.
I... I have work stuff, Buddy.
Work stuff, other
stuff, stuff, stuff.
Sounds like a lot
of vague stuff.
- Okay. Okay.
- Yay!
Let's do it.
Let's do one week, five days.
Christmas here at home.
That is fantastic.
Settled. Done.
Yes. Who wants some fruitcake?
Me.
Oh, it's about time.
The sun's been up
for eight minutes, man.
You sent me 15 text messages.
Is this kind of reckless
behavior really necessary?
Yeah. You couldn't just let
handsy Roy put up the lights?
Sure. Why don't we have
some stranger
take over our family traditions?
In fact, why don't we start
new ones altogether
and move back in, Tay?
That's a great idea!
That sounds kinda nice.
Nice?
Well, I thought we'd do
this nice thing for Mom
and then go take Thomas
for a nice walk down to school
because apparently his principal
wants to have
a nice little chat.
Oh, it's an ambush.
Chat about what?
His mom's vegetable garden.
What do you think he
wants to chat about?
You know, I... I...
I'm sure with some glue...
You and you are coming with me
to apologize for what you did.
And you better hope that he has
something stronger than glue
because your nephew is not
gonna have a Christmas play
to perform this year.
What's stronger than glue?
Okay.
- The lights.
- Alright, alright, alright...
Take the lights.
Feel familiar?
Like, I never left.
He never did.
Principal Decker...
He's still alive?
Fifty-three years
at this school.
Fifty-two consecutive
Christmas shows... fifty-two.
Principal Decker...
Didn't mind you.
Don't even remember you.
I'm Stephan.
I didn't like you one bit.
You still living in
your mother's basement?
Not sure that's relevant.
I have a music teacher on
indefinite stress leave.
I have... a mob of
angry parents.
Do you know the one thing
I don't have?
Enough money to retire?
A Christmas show.
Sir, we really
want to apologize, okay?
And in in light of
yesterday's mishaps,
we are going to make a donation.
A donation?
Yes, we are.
Why didn't you say so?
You're free to go.
- Really?
- No!!!
Okay. We're back here.
I'll tell you how it's gonna go.
One of our teacher volunteers
provided a solution,
and the solution is
with us right now!
Hi, boys.
- Roy?
- Oh, dear Lord.
Pastor Roy is an honorary
substitute in our shop class.
He's great with his hands.
And he's offered to supervise.
- Supervise?
- Supervise what?
I thought that was clear.
You're taking over the show.
- You broke it.
- No.
You bought it
See you after school.
Let's just get out
of here, please.
Okay.
No. One, two, three.
Let's go.
Okay.
You guys ready to do this?
No.
This is bringing back
terrible suppressed memories.
I got this.
Alright. Let's bring it in!
Let's bring it in!
- Come on in everybody!
- Come on guys, bring it in!
- Come on in, everybody!
- Everybody, bring it in.
Where's everyone else?
Their parents don't want them
to be in the show anymore.
What?
They're afraid
of your poison cookies.
They were not poison, okay?
- Now, look...
- I mean...
Hey. Thank you guys
for sticking with the show.
We're excited.
This is our first
kindergarten pageant.
It's not a kindergarten pageant.
It's K through 5.
Alright. Yeah.
No. Okay.
Yeah. I'm Coach Luke.
This is Coach Taylor,
and this is Coach Stephan.
Hello!
So let's see, we're,
we're doing The Grump.
Who here had a singing role?
Cool.
Alright.
Who here had a dancing role?
Okay.
That's okay. That's okay.
We don't need singing
or dancing.
What are you talking about?
It's a musical. All it is...
is singing and dancing.
We should probably give up
like everybody else.
I like this kid.
What's up, cookie boy?
Hi.
Okay. Nobody's quitting,
alright? We're not quitters.
Coaches, huddle up.
One second.
Give us a minute.
Don't go anywhere.
Don't go anywhere.
Alright. First things first,
40-year-old kid's right.
Show's a dud.
Second of all, I'm gonna
go get that girl's number.
And then we're gonna get
into a car,
and we're gonna drive south
until we run out of gas.
Alright. Come on.
Come on.
It's not that
we don't have a show.
More we're gonna showcase kids
that otherwise
wouldn't be featured.
Nice reframe.
Guys, hey, this is about
Thomas, alright?
We've pulled together
last-minute stunts before.
We can do this again.
We only have like a week
to get it together.
We got this!
- Okay.
- Alright!
- Break.
- Okay.
Coach Taylor is right.
No quitting.
That's right.
It's always bad to be a quitter.
Well, my brother quit
the soccer team
to focus on his grades.
Alright. Never gonna make
the pros, but...
My dad quit his job
because he suspected acts
of corporate malfeasance.
How old is this kid?
That's impressive vocabulary.
Okay. Okay. Sometimes
it's okay.
But right now is not
the time to quit.
It's the time to shine.
Mhmm.
So we're gonna
make some changes.
- That's right.
- Yeah.
We're going to
build some new sets.
Build some sets.
- We're gonna sing some songs.
- Sing some songs.
- We're gonna do some dances.
- We're gonna do some dances.
And we're going to make
this Grump better
and more Christmassy
than any play ever!
Don't oversell it here.
Take it down a little bit.
Who's excited?
- Hooray!
- Charge!
I love her.
Why did I say charge?
Hey, ma. I'm home.
Alright.
My room.
My lair.
My...
last resort.
What the...
Ma!!!
Ma!!!
What did you do?
Well...
Roy, started making some
Christmas decorations,
and I took up some hobbies,
so I needed the extra space.
Ma?
Mhmm.
You doilied my man cave.
So you turned his room
into a... a quilting den,
and my guest house is a
warehouse of Christmas horrors.
Mm.
Can't even imagine what
you did to Luke's room.
Well...
Oh, come on.
Stations stand down.
Stations stand down.
Hey. Hey.
What's going on?
It was just a false alarm,
but I think I'll take
a couple of the recruits out,
show them the ropes anyway.
Okay. Well, I... I got
some time on my hands.
Why don't I come with you?
Chief, we got this.
Alright.
Be safe.
Always.
Chad, hustle up.
- Take care, Chief.
- Yeah.
Roy, we're going
to introduce you
to another family
Christmas tradition.
Christmas Pictionary.
Pictionary!
I'm on Gigi's and Roy's team.
You're gonna regret that, Buddy.
I wouldn't count on it
because, you know,
after all as a pastor,
Christmas is my business.
Oh. Yes, it is.
Wanna raise
the stakes a little bit?
What do you have in mind?
The outfits you bought us
last year
for the Christmas photos, Mom?
Losing team wears them
for the next 24 hours.
I didn't agree to that.
I'm not usually a betting man,
but this does sound interesting.
You got this.
Go ahead. Circle.
- I'd say...
- It's a circle.
It's Christmas time.
It's Christmas circle.
Oh. Oh. Snow, snow...
Christmas time.
Yeah, Christmas clock.
Christmas clock.
I'm saying it.
Christmas tree ornaments.
Time's up.
Aargh! Honestly,
snow globe!
Why are you drawing a tree?
Stand back.
Golden rings.
What?
Tiny Tim!
Yes, Buddy.
Did you guys have a meeting
before this game?
Mrs. Claus.
Yeah!!!
- What?
- Yay!!!
Yay! We win!
So about those outfits.
Proud of yourself?
It's set building time, boys.
Wow.
It's like Christmas came early.
And this wasn't even
on my wish list.
Well, Merry Christmas, Buddy.
Let's get you to class.
Hey.
Show them we lost today, okay?
- So?
- You like what you see.
It's so bad,
but so, so, so good.
What are you doing here?
Just working on a
little something.
Oh.
You?
New sets for the show.
Hm. You're actually
gonna do that?
I thought you were
just gonna bail.
Well... thought about it.
But, you know, kids and stuff.
Huh?
What's huh?
So I've been staying
in my parents' basement
the last few months.
You don't say.
Mhmm. Yeah.
I mean, just until the studios
come around and sign me.
I mean, I was in a band.
Why'd you quit?
No, no, no.
They kicked me out.
They thought that I thought
that I was better than them,
which I did because I am.
Understandably.
So I've got this solo jazz album
and I'm shopping it around
and it's only
a matter of time, really.
I just feel like like
I'm on the brink of a...
A seven-figure deal.
I was gonna say major deal,
but I would not say no
to seven figures.
I mean, they'd
be getting a bargain.
Really?
It's alright, T.
No need to help.
Hey. That's where
I know you from.
You're that pet detective.
Right?
My step-mom, she's got...
she's got your book.
It's holding up
her coffee table.
Hey, now...
It's my brother
you're talking to.
What are you doing
tomorrow night?
Alright!
Okay. Go. Come on.
Let's go.
Good conversation.
Let's go, Romeo.
Back okay, Chief?
Yeah. It's all good.
It's just the weather,
you know, it's cold
and it freezes up.
How about that Caroline, huh?
Something about her.
She's so cool.
She's you, dude.
What?
She's a female you.
No.
Yeah. She's you, but,
like, a better version.
No.
Hey.
Hi.
Well, we had a productive day.
Tell me all about it.
We made a cool mountain
set as big as the house.
That sounds wonderful.
Wonderful.
- So...
- Yeah.
You know how I bring you
a tree every year.
This year, I was thinking
after dinner,
maybe we go out as a family and
get the absolute biggest tree
that will fit in this house.
Whoa!
Can we decorate it tonight?
Yeah. Of course we can,
kiddo.
- That is a lovely idea.
- Of course.
That's wonderful.
Alright.
No Roy?
- What?
- Nope.
It's a shame.
Knock, knock, knock.
Incoming.
- Whoa!
- What?
It's huge!
Yeah. You better believe it.
We don't do small at Christmas.
Let me guess.
Cut it down with
your own two hands?
Yeah. I did, actually.
She's a beauty, huh?
Noble fir.
What do you think there,
Master Thomas?
A noble fir is noble for sure.
You have to stop
teaching him things.
This is the best tree ever.
Looks like we don't need
your tree, Dad.
Yeah.
Did I overstep a little here?
You didn't know.
I was just planning on...
Never mind, no.
I'll set it up.
I'm gonna set it up.
Alright. You need a hand?
No. No. It's all good.
I got it.
Are you sure?
Because it's pretty heavy.
Yeah. No.
Why don't you
let him help you, honey?
Let Roy help you.
No. It's okay.
I got it.
I... I... I set up
the tree every year, right?
Why would this
year be any different?
Yeah. It's good.
It's all good.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Just be mindful of your back.
- Let the man live.
- You're not getting any younger.
He's got it.
Whoa.
- I gotta put it in the stand.
- Mmhmm.
- Oh, oh.
- Watch it!
Whoa!
I'm okay.
And Christmas was saved.
Being able to understand fire
behavior is one of the most
important tools in keeping you
and your team safe.
So review chapters
six to nine tonight.
Okay? Let's take
a 20-minute break.
Team.
Hey, hey.
How are you?
You alright, Chief?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just, got into a little fight
with a fir tree last night.
Looks like you're falling
behind on decorating
for the charity event.
It's only in a couple days.
Yeah. It looks like
we're gonna have
to postpone the fundraiser
till Friday night.
Friday? No, that that's
impossible. Why?
Well, I spoke to the caterers
and the entertainment
this morning.
Apparently, there was
an error on the paperwork.
I did the paperwork.
Man, I... I must have been
in a rush
and missed a couple things.
Is... is... is Friday
the only day?
It's Thomas's play?
It's the only day
that works for them
and everyone else is booked.
We have a lot of support
from the new recruits.
I mean, I don't think they'll
bring in Brenner money, but...
Maybe Chad.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah. Maybe it's worth
sitting this one out, Chief.
This is my big event.
I've been running
this for 10 years.
I'm the top donation driver.
You know what?
Don't worry about it. Okay?
I'll figure something out.
Yeah.
Hernandez, Jones...
Thank you both for
doing what you're doing.
I really appreciate it.
Susie's here.
You are just in time.
I had to sneak out of work.
I hope you don't miss me
too much,
but I don't wanna miss this.
Gingerbread day.
- Hi. Hi. Hi.
- Hi.
- I'm glad you made it.
- All good.
How was...
- So you must be Susie?
- Oh, yeah.
Oh, he's coming right in.
I'm a hugger.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
I've heard so much about you.
Hopefully good things.
Yeah?
Yep.
Alright. Who's ready to build?
So ready.
Gingerbread turned out great.
You're gonna love it.
Wee!
Why won't it... just... just...
You having trouble there,
Stephan?
I happen to know a few things
about construction if you...
You don't say.
Roy even patched a leak
in the roof last weekend.
I don't think there's
anything he can't do.
Well, there's one thing I can't
do, and that's saying no
to lending a helping
hand to people in need.
You know what?
It's gonna be okay.
No, it's fine. I think it
needs a little more frosting.
I think you've got enough
frosting there, hon.
Oh, you can't have
too much frosting.
Is that right, T?
Keep working on it, Stephan.
Let Roy take a look at it.
I'm fine! It's fine.
Why does everyone keep asking
if I'm fine? I'm...
Alright. Here we go.
Ooooh! Wow!
Is that a tire swing?
Yeah. Yeah.
It's made of licorice.
Bravo.
So you thought that playing
video games
on a first date was a good idea?
I'll have you know I lost
sleep over this.
No, you didn't.
Yes. I did.
I want it to be special.
And if I was a smart man, I
would guess that you like music
as well as video games,
so... I came up with this.
You want a dance battle?
You don't?
Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
You ever played this before?
No.
You?
- I've seen a few videos.
- Cool.
You're the weirdest guy
I've ever met.
Don't ever change.
So Roy is nice.
Yeah. Yeah. He's nice.
Oh, Roy's perfect.
Pastor, preacher,
builder, teacher.
Maybe we should dedicate
a wing to the hospital
to the guy, you know?
Okay. You seem like
a little on edge.
Yeah. Just, you know, the
whole... the whole Roy thing.
It's been a surprise and
I'm just working through it.
Well, do you wanna
talk about it?
We just did.
Okay.
I should get back to work.
Duty calls.
- Mhmm.
- Uh-huh.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Don't work too hard.
You too.
Okay.
Later Sus.
You okay?
Yeah.
Good.
Something Roy just said
gave me an idea.
I know what we need
for the show.
You wanna get out of here?
Like you wouldn't believe.
Okay. Let's go.
I must say, you
really surprised me.
Oh, yeah.
Mhmm.
For someone who spends
most of his time trying
so hard to be cool,
you really put yourself
out there.
Thank you.
No one's ever really um...
You think I'm cool?
I said trying to be cool.
Let me tell you how cool I am.
I'm homeless,
jobless, penniless.
Whew.
My mother thinks I'm home
to visit,
but I'm pretty sure I just
moved back into her basement.
So? I love living in
my parents' basement.
No, you don't.
When you dream big, sometimes
you gotta live small.
Yeah, okay,
but I'm not a kid anymore.
You don't ever look around and
feel less than everybody else?
Nope. No way.
I just... I mean, I look at this
point in life,
it's like, um...
it's like visiting Mars.
Like, when-when you're
shooting for the stars,
you still have to take
and make a little time
to visit the planets
along the way. Right?
You gotta enjoy the journey.
The... the little successes.
Right?
Or you could miss out
on everything.
'Cause here's the thing,
when you go all in,
you gotta be willing
to risk it all.
And I... I am risking it all.
I'm... also keeping
my eyes open
for someone to share
the adventure with.
Because life... it's
too much fun to do it alone.
Where did you come from?
Right?
Making friends?
Hi.
Were you gonna kiss?
Probably.
Trying. Mhmm.
We're doing a team-building
exercise.
Wanna join us?
Yeah.
Kids versus coaches.
Here we go.
Who's ready to laser?
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa!!!
Agent Big Bird, stand down.
What's wrong?
You okay?
Now!
Wow, that's how we're playing?
I'm going to get you!
Those kids are savage.
Yeah. I can't feel
my trigger finger.
I can't feel anything
from the neck down.
When was the last time
we had this much fun?
It's been a minute.
I forgot what it was
like to be a kid again.
I think we all needed this.
Man, those kids rose
to the occasion.
And that's what we have
to do for the play.
So we're down a few kids.
Reassign roles.
- Can't sing?
- Teach them.
- Can't dance?
- Show them.
You can't...
stay up past 8:30?
No. They're gonna go to bed.
Yep. Alright.
Alright guys, bring it in.
Come on. Bring it in.
Bring it in.
Bring it in.
Yeah. Make a circle.
Triple up, guys.
Huddle up.
Wow. Hey. Hey.
Guess what, guys?
I think we're ready.
Yeah. Ye Jun, lead us off.
Go team on three.
Hands in.
One, two, three.
Go.
Team!
Woo!
Gentlemen,
revised scripts arriveth.
Look at this.
As discussed, due to
a diminished cast size,
I have reassigned the roles
and made a few small refinements
to the dialogue.
Now the big question is
how to distribute the
adult roles, obviously.
I'm directing.
- Fine. Then I'm playing...
- The Grump.
Well, why do you
get to be the Grump?
I'm Grumpy.
But what if I wanna
be the Grump?
You're not.
- I wanna be Grumpy.
- Well, you're not.
It's an important role, Steph.
Okay?
It requires Grump being
up high on Grump mountain.
Yeah?
And performing in front
of a bunch of Grump people
So?
You get vertigo...
on mall escalators.
Oh. I was eight.
And sometimes when you're
overwhelmed, you tend to...
What?
Rest your eyes on
the hardwood floor.
Yeah.
I... I was dehydrated.
- Maybe.
- Guys, come on.
This person you're
describing, that's not me.
I'm a new man.
Alright. Rock, paper, scissors.
Best of three.
Best of five.
Best of seven.
How do you keep doing that?
It's just who I am.
I'm not proud of it.
Tay's the Grump.
Steph, you're narrating.
I'm directing.
Morning, boys.
- Good morning, Mom.
- Good morning.
I just love seeing you
guys together like this.
Mhmm.
Reminds me of when
you were little.
Oh, yeah.
Christmas caroling, and what?
The-the sugar plum dance?
Now you're doing it for Thomas.
Yeah.
That's so sweet.
I love you.
Oh, stop, Mom.
- It's okay.
- Oh, stop.
So is this is this
the play, huh?
This is the play.
- Wow.
- Thanks to Steph.
Yeah.
You know, maybe I should
invite Roy to help
because he won an award
for theater in college,
and... and I'm sure
he'd be happy to pitch in.
I think Luke would
absolutely love that.
- Good.
- No.
No. It-he's already done
so much, Mom, you know?
Don't overwhelm the guy.
Suit yourself.
- Thanks though, Ma.
- Love you, Mom.
Love you, Mom.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Theater awards?
Are you buying that?
No. Like, honestly and,
like, he's so nice.
Oh, he's a pastor.
Nobody is that nice.
They met online.
- Have you met the Internet?
- Thank you.
- Everything's a lie.
- Everybody lies.
Enough about Roy. Okay?
- We have a play to do.
- A good play.
A great play.
I got a few notes.
You haven't even read it yet.
Great job last night.
Great job.
You all really showed up
for each other.
Why don't we bring
that winning spirit into today. Okay?
Alright. We might be down,
but we're not out.
No, no, no.
So new game plan.
Yeah. I think you're
really gonna like
where we're headed here.
Wait.
I have new lines?
Yes. Uh, actually,
new lines for everyone.
We had to compensate for a few
missing performers,
but we have new lines,
new roles,
some songs, and
a very special dance.
I don't want more lines.
What what do you mean, Buddy?
I thought you enjoyed being
in the play so much
you'd want a bigger part.
I'm not good enough
for more lines.
- Why would you say that?
- Yeah.
What do you mean, Bud?
What do you mean?
Well, there was someone
who was in the play
that would make fun of us
when we'd mess up.
Was that someone
allergic to peanuts?
Okay. Hey, look.
Hey, Thomas.
If you don't want more
lines, that's fine.
I just wanted
to do my line, okay?
Okay.
Okay, uh, show of hands.
Who doesn't want more lines?
- Not me.
- Not really.
Why don't we... why don't
we get right to the dance?
Let's dance.
And five, six, seven, eight.
Ok, ok. Wow, that was um...
a good start.
Why don't-why don't we-we
try the Grump song? Right?
Because you all remember
the Grump song.
Grump.
The Grump song?
You guys are killing it.
Well done.
Alright. That's it.
- What do you think, kiddo?
- Pretty cool, huh?
It's okay.
I got this.
Just give me five.
Okay.
- Just give me five.
- Alright.
Where did you find
this truck, man?
That was my truck.
Did you know that?
- No.
- Yeah.
No.
- It's yours now, huh?
- Yeah.
You wanna talk to me?
Tell me what's going on?
I just don't think
I'm good enough.
Well, first of all...
you are.
And secondly...
- Can I tell you something?
- Yeah.
It's a secret though.
What?
Kids used to say
a lot of mean things to me.
- Really?
- Yes.
Why? You're awesome.
Well, you're a man
of exquisite taste, T.
I love you for it.
I already know that.
My man.
Let me tell you.
People are gonna try to stop
you from doing your thing
for reasons that have
absolutely nothing
to do with you.
Maybe they're going
through something.
Maybe they're sad.
Maybe they're angry.
Maybe they're jealous
that you have perfect hair
like your uncle.
But whatever the reason,
you can't let him win.
You gotta be brave.
I don't feel very brave
right now.
Me neither.
But I have learned a thing
or two about running,
and let me tell you,
it doesn't fix much.
So let me ask you something.
Do you wanna run
from this thing?
If you do, we'll
get out of here.
Or do you wanna tell people
that Christmas is...
saved.
Yes.
I want to do that one.
Good. Why you got me all
stressed out over here?
I didn't.
- Yeah.
- No, I didn't.
You're looking all like you're
in some type of mood and stuff.
Let's get out of here.
Our baby's not
our baby anymore, huh?
- Nope.
- Sure isn't.
I wanna thank you guys
for always being there for him.
Yeah. Of course.
You kidding?
He's perfect.
The idea that anyone
would think any different.
I thought having a baby
was hard.
Hah. Way easier.
- Easy.
- So much easier.
Diaper, feed, sleep, repeat.
- That's it.
- Yeah.
Now they got big emotions,
and they're smart.
Smarter than us.
It's a constant mental
and emotional battle
just trying to keep up.
Suddenly, you're worrying
about their sense of self,
whether or not
they're gonna be okay.
Kid makes fun of you one time,
you'll carry it for
the rest of your life.
Bunch of kids make make fun of
you a bunch of times,
suddenly you're half
a person eating lunch
in the faculty lounge with
the guidance counselor.
I mean, hypothetically.
Yeah.
If we let those kids
go out there
and do what they did today...
- Never gonna live it down.
- No.
We need a new plan.
I think...
We need to call in the big guns.
What's up ding-dongs?
The Grump That Ruined Christmas.
I love it.
It's genius.
Why pay for the rights when
you can parody it for free?
Okay. Uh, what kind of talent
are we working with?
We got kids with...
terrific personalities.
Say no more.
Okay. It's a
whitewash situation.
Confuse, conceal.
We need lights, we need
props, we need glitter.
We need real snow,
real sleighs, real elves.
- Real elves?
- Shh.
He's rolling.
Okay. You guys certainly
brought the right guy in here.
I mean, who better to make this
kid shine than Mark LeClark,
nine-time Channel Seven spirit
Christmas decorating champion.
Last year, they could see my
house from the space station.
Yeah, the government thought it
was a nuclear power plant.
What kind of timeframe
are we working on?
Two days.
Two days.
Okay. That changes things.
All good. All good. All good.
Mark. Mark. Mark.
Mark. Mark.
Okay, Plan C.
If you boys wanna save the show,
we need all hands on deck.
Yeah? Question.
What's the school board's policy
on black market penguins?
Where's the hustle?
The thespians are on their way.
Dress rehearsal is
t-minus 34 minutes.
No pain, no gain, no candy cane.
Let's move. Move.
I'm looking at you.
Where do these people come from?
Mark's crew, apparently.
Hey! Pastor Roy!
- Hey!
- What's shaking, Bacon?
- How are you?
- You know Roy?
Oh yeah. The good pastor here
baptized the newest
Le Clark last summer.
Yeah. Mark, I believe, was
the first man to yell booyah
during a baptism.
People were very uncomfortable.
Yep. It's true. Thanks
for bringing the back-up.
For sure. Happy to lend a hand.
Hey, Mark.
You sure there's enough room up
there for kids to move around?
Good point.
We could probably lose
a couple of kids.
I don't think
they're all off book.
Alright. Well, we wanna
make sure
there's still heart
to the story.
Relax, Slim.
You guys nailed the script.
Carolyn's working
on some new music,
and your boy LaClark here
brings the razzle-dazzle.
Okay? Trust me, these kids are
gonna remember this
for the rest of their lives.
Alright. Could I have a quick
word with you gentlemen?
Uh, there seems to be
a lot going on here.
This is still a show
about Christmas, right?
What's it look like?
Well...
Uh, I'd say we're looking at a
warehouse sale on inflatables.
Uh... no.
- Hey, Roy?
- Yeah?
Can you give me
a hand with the robot?
The manual's in Chinese, so
we're gonna have to improvise.
There's no robot in the script.
I know. Good thing
I caught that.
Also, after that, I need you
to build a flying rig,
blow torches in the back.
Let's make some
Xmas magic, people.
Love the energy.
Love the energy.
Good work.
Look, Boys, I-I don't
mean to tell you how to run things here,
but as a supervisor
and a pastor at Christmas,
maybe a little fatherly advice.
Roy, look at this.
It's perfect.
I just worry this is a mistake.
It feels like we're losing
the spirit of Christmas.
- What're you talking about?
- There's seven Santa Clauses...
- Snowmen...
- Merry Christmas right there.
- Snow...
- Alright, okay. Yep. Yep.
All good. All good. Just
had to say my piece. Okay?
- Good.
- Yeah.
You think he might have
a bit of a point.
- No.
- No.
He's been messing
with us all week.
We don't know what his angle is.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Heard you're working on
new songs for the kids.
Oh, yeah.
That is not happening.
I mean, they're kids.
They're not gonna learn a new
musical in 24 hours.
They don't even know
their times tables.
Just gonna have them sing
some Christmas carols.
And honestly, that Mark guy,
he's a little intense.
He's a special guy, yeah.
We're just trying to make
a great show for the kids.
Oh. Is that what this is?
Yeah.
Of course.
That's what this is.
Honestly, there's
a lot going on.
We could really use your help.
Honestly, I'm just-
I'm not feeling this.
It's like-it's like the North
Pole and Vegas had a baby.
So you're just gonna walk
away and quit on these kids?
No. I didn't say that,
but I'm also not down to hijack
a kindergarten
Christmas pageant.
It's not a kindergarten pageant.
It's K through 5.
What...? Oh.
Stephan?
Sus, hey. Oh, you made it.
Oh, you are a saint
for taking care of these
costumes at the last minute.
What is all this?
Oh, uh...
we enlisted the help of Mark.
Mark LaClark?
Yeah. Brought him in
to save the show.
Save it from what?
You have a group
of adorable kids.
I know.
You know, we just didn't want
it to be embarrassing for them.
For them or for you?
No one is expecting perfection.
If the kids mess up
or drop a line or...
or bump into each other,
that's what makes it charming.
Well, there's nothing charming
about looking foolish, is there?
No, Stephan.
Charming is when you may look
foolish, but you do it anyway.
I don't even know
who you are right now.
Yes, you do.
This is me.
No.
The Stephan I love
is vulnerable, sensitive,
and honest.
This version is just hiding
behind a book
he thinks will make him better.
I think you've lost the point.
Sus...
Hey, hey, hey.
How about this, huh?
It's pretty good, isn't it?
There's... so much stuff.
Yeah.
I'm feeling very claustrophobic.
So... are we still gonna sing?
Of course you're gonna sing.
What about our costumes?
Of course, yeah, the costumes.
The cos-yes, there's
tons of costumes,
and everything is going
to be great.
Well...
part of your set's extra crispy,
but other than that,
everything's fine.
- Oh, thank goodness.
- Good.
Do we even know
how the fire started?
And... where's Mark?
Not sure what started it.
There was a blow torch
and an iron nearby.
There was also a majorly
overloaded circuit board.
Is that the Grump costume?
Uh... Chief?
Yeah. Look.
Unfortunately, we have
to cordon off the area
until an electrical inspector
can come through
and make sure that
circuit's safe.
I just can't believe this,
you know?
Thanks. I'll see you back
at the station.
Yeah.
Who wants to see the fire truck?
Well, there it is.
Show's off.
- No.
- What?
- Yeah.
- Come on.
Really?
You wanna explain what happened?
Me?
Yeah, you.
Don't look at me, look at Roy.
Me?
Yeah, Roy, you had a
blow torch backstage.
So you think I intentionally
tried to burn down
an elementary school?
Well, I guess we don't
really know you all
that well, do we Roy?
Okay. Let's just
slow down, son.
- Don't call him son, alright?
- Don't do that.
You're... you're not our dad.
No. I am not.
I am just a guy that is
in love with your mom.
And I am really starting
to regret getting involved
in trying to help you boys out.
Excuse me.
Okay, you both know
he wouldn't have done that.
Well, I mean, what?
The costume light itself
on fire?
I don't know.
I do know if you would
have put it on
like you were supposed to
that wouldn't have happened.
And that area wouldn't be
cordoned off
and we'd still
have a show to do.
Okay. Sure, let's do that.
Um, it's on me.
This kind of stuff only happens
when you're around.
Oh, hey. Alright...
No. Am I not right?
No, no, no.
He's right.
Guys, easy fix.
I'm gonna walk away.
Good luck with the show.
- Tay, come on.
- Have a good walk.
Have a good walk, Tay.
- Yeah.
- Luke, come on!
Stephan, don't. Okay? Stop.
Really?
I'm so sorry, Buddy.
I- I know how much you
wanted to do the show.
It's okay.
I still had so much
fun this week.
That's all I care about.
I'm here thinking about
what could have been,
and you're thinking
about what was.
You're a really special kid.
You know that?
Yeah. I know that.
I'm so lucky you came
into my life.
I'm lucky too.
Have a good sleep, okay?
- Okay.
- Alright.
Where are you even going?
I do not know.
That's not your problem.
Okay. It's not my problem.
That's not your problem either.
Nobody's going anywhere.
Sit down.
Please sit down!
Yep. Okay.
- Yeah.
- Is Thomas asleep?
- Yes.
- Yeah, he is.
I just got off
the phone with Roy,
and it didn't go very well.
Ma...
You seriously think that
he tried to set fire
to the school
to sabotage your play?
It's just that he
inserts himself
into everything, Mom.
Like, he's-he's family.
You all feel that way?
We don't not, you know, feel-
You're our Mom.
We need to look out for you.
We just wanna protect you.
Yeah.
I love you boys more
than you will ever know.
Not having your father
here was hard.
I know it.
But I was always on your side.
I always championed you.
I was on your team.
There's nothing in the world
that I wouldn't have done
for you.
I need you to hear this.
I mean-I mean, really hear it.
I am more than just a mom.
I'm a person.
I- I have given you my all
since the moment you were born,
but now I need to do some
things just for me.
I wanna learn.
I wanna-I wanna travel,
I- I wanna love and-
and-and be loved back.
Don't I deserve that?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
I mean, I... I know
that change is hard.
I get it. I-I know it,
but... don't punish Roy
because it's hard to trust
another man in our lives.
He's good.
He supports me.
He's helping me
to find myself again.
And he's around
because I asked him to be.
I want him to get to know
the most important people
in my life.
And... I love him.
I do.
I didn't think I was going
to be able to do that again,
but here I am,
and he loves me.
I need you to let him.
If it's not too late.
That's quite the week
we're having.
That was...
Now, this is on all of us.
No. It's on me.
No. Tay, no.
This whole week was because
I needed a place to stay.
I got kicked out of my
apartment and I'm broke.
And no one will back me on
the game unless I sell out,
which I'm seriously considering.
- Why didn't you say anything?
- Yeah, why not?
Because look at you two.
You guys have accomplished
so much.
You're incredible.
What have I done?
I don't want to be the guy
living in the basement anymore.
That's not who you are.
You're not that guy, man.
You're an author.
You're a fire chief.
Both of you are beautiful
women in your lives.
You have a spectacular kid.
You have it all.
Honestly...
I don't know who I am anymore.
No longer Mr. January,
that's for sure.
I'm just a dad now.
And my back is on fire.
I wanted so badly to convince
myself I beat anxiety.
I wrote a whole book on it.
It's a lie.
I'm just the same old Stephan.
Well, we're a bang-up squad.
I'll give us that.
Mom had it figured out.
No. She didn't.
She was just really good
at pretending... for our sake.
Maybe that's why it's so hard
to picture her with Roy.
It's hard to picture
as anything other than Mom.
No one will ever be
good enough for her.
- No way.
- No.
We need to let her be happy.
We need to let her be her.
And we've gotta be okay
with who we are.
I love you boys.
I love you boys.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
I love you guys, too.
What is with this van?
Like a gas leak?
What's going on in here?
No idea.
Take it back to the dealership.
What I do know is...
You guys gonna sit
around and cry all night
or do you wanna talk about
how to save the show?
Is that even still possible?
Well, while you guys
are in here holding hands,
talking about your feelings,
Pastor Roy called it a miracle
and got an inspector in.
Show's back on.
You owe that man
some capital G, gratitude.
Rock and roll.
Okay.
I think we got a show to do.
I think we got a show to do.
If you're looking
for a room to rent,
we don't really have any
vacancies right now.
That's good.
I'm not letting you bail
on this.
I'm not bailing on the play.
I told you that.
I'm not talking about the play.
What makes you think that I'm...
bailing on this?
Because that's what I would do.
I've never met anyone like you.
You are me?
Or like a much, much better
version of me.
So much so that it's made me
believe that maybe
with some serious work,
I might be able
to be better too.
And maybe we can
be better together.
Chase the dream
while living the dream.
I might even visit Mars
with you.
That was really cheesy.
You know that, right?
I do.
I heard it and I felt it.
Alright. Let's try this.
Welcome everyone to
another amazing evening.
This year's Decorate Your Home
auction with help
from Balsam Hill is lining up
to be the best one ever.
Oh, looks like we have a
surprise guest this evening.
Fan favorite Chief Luke Brenner,
who we didn't think was able
to join us tonight.
Thanks, guys.
Thank you, everyone.
It is true.
Unfortunately, I won't be able
to join in on the fun
of this year's auction.
But I've been called away
for the most important duty.
Dad duty.
I wanted to be here
to honor and welcome
some new members of the team.
These recruits are the future
of Spruce Grove,
and they're gonna help
decorate your houses
like you have never seen before.
So please welcome to the stage,
Chad, Leticia,
Travis, and Spencer.
Now take out your wallets
and don't be stingy.
Every dollar goes
to a great cause
and you're gonna help
a family in need, alright?
Don't miss me too much, okay?
Have fun.
Thanks, Chief.
Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep...
Hey, what did I miss?
What did I miss?
Oh, you know, just a full,
full, full, very full house.
We're breathing.
We're breathing.
In. Out.
One more time.
And we're breathing out.
Where'd all these
people come from?
I don't know.
I made an announcement
at my church.
I hope that's okay.
- Yeah.
- Yeah. Yeah, it's ok.
Roy, we owe you a huge apology.
Alright. You've been nothing
but kind and helpful.
We did nothing but
push you away.
We're sorry. We are.
Look, I am not trying to change
things for you boys.
And as for being kind, I don't
know how to be any other way.
But I really do care
about your mom.
She's... an amazing person.
And you make her
really happy, Roy.
That's the most important thing.
And she's got some great sons.
Yeah? Mhmm.
Good man.
Brenner Boys, eh?
Okay. Too soon.
Good luck.
See you out there.
Alright, boys.
We got a show to do.
We got a show to do!
Hey. Robes are for narrators.
You, my brother...
are a Grump.
I thought the costume burned up.
Sus came through.
She just dropped it off.
- Susie's here? She... she-
- No time.
Hey. Put this on.
- Tay, I...
- Should've been you this whole time.
I just didn't wanna admit it.
Just admit that your brother
is right.
Sucks.
I'll narrate.
You go be the star that
you're meant to be.
Wait.
I- I don't even know
the Grump's lines.
That's okay.
Neither did I.
Hey, Ye-jun.
You nervous?
Yeah. Talking was not
really my thing either, but...
Well, you know, you could look
at this as an opportunity to...
You know what?
Forget it.
Can I tell you something?
I'm scared.
I'm terrified.
But you're not gonna
be out there alone. Okay?
I'm gonna be out there with you.
And... if we can be
nervous together,
maybe we could be
brave together.
What do you say?
Yeah?
Let's get out there.
Come on.
Come on. We got this.
We got this.
The Whats down in What-Town
liked Christmas a lot.
Christmas, more Christmas,
as much as you've got.
And whenever Christmas
would give them a chance,
the Whats down in What-Town
would dance, dance, dance.
While the Whats mingled
and jingled around,
a cantankerous Grump
on the outskirts of town
was planning and plotting
and said with a frown.
I must find a way to
take Christmas down.
The reason that wicked old
Grump was so whiny
was because his Grump heart...
Was so super tiny.
Now, boo hoo.
As the Whats all grew sleepy
and tucked in for the night,
said the Grump.
Well, alright.
I must ruin Christmas,
ruin Christmas tonight.
To come down from my mountain,
I must go into... flight.
You got this.
Engage your core.
I'm stuck!
I'm stuck!!!
Somebody do something!
I'm stuck!
- What are you doing that?
- I can't move!
Why are you swimming?
What else am I supposed to do?
Flap my wings?
Shh.
- Would you stop squirming?
- I'm not squirming.
- Stop that!
- Come on!
That's not helping.
That's just chafing my neck.
Okay. Let's stop.
Say some poetry or something.
Yeah.
Hang tight.
Oh, sure.
I'll just hang around.
Somebody please do something!
Alright. You got this.
Here we go.
Loosen it a bit! Loosen it!
And Christmas was saved!
Bravo!
Stephen!
I'm so proud of you.
You saved the whole show.
How do you feel?
Good.
- Grump!
- Ye-jun, great job!
Brian, what are you doing here?
Is Ye-jun your daughter?
Yes, she is.
Great job tonight.
Thank you.
Look, I don't know
how you guys did it.
She hasn't sung in years.
Spirit of Christmas, I guess.
Any chance I can convince
you to reconsider our offer?
Any chance you'd
reconsider mine?
Good luck with the game.
I hope it all works out.
I think it will.
I got big dreams to chase.
- Merry Christmas, Brian.
- Merry Christmas.
Good hustle out there.
You showed them.
Dad, you are awesome!
Oh, thanks, Buddy.
We were awesome!
We were pretty good.
Come here. What are we,
chopped liver?
And you...
I don't think I tell you enough
how much I appreciate you.
And I love that you went away,
but can you please never
leave me like that again?
What a show!
Doctor McLaren...
what're you doing here?
Uh, what can I say?
I'm a patron of the arts.
You know, I was a little worried
because last year's
show was so good.
It's hard to follow-up
a hit with another hit.
You know what I mean?
Almost impossible, really.
Tell me about it.
But you did it.
That was very
sweet and charming.
Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
I'm so glad I introduced
you to the theater.
Well done.
You knew all your lines.
I love you, you did great.
Oh, a big family hug.
Sus.
Susie. Wait.
Wait. Wait.
Wait. Wait.
You were right.
I'm sorry. I was scared.
Scared about what?
Everything.
All of it.
The book's not selling.
That I'm a fraud.
That-
That you would realize one
day how much better than me
you can do and then
all the things
that you love about me
would be overshadowed
by the parts
of me that are broken.
And there's so many parts
of me that are broken.
And I wanted so desperately
to fix myself
and I'm so worried
that I just broke
the one good thing in my life
and I'm so sorry.
You don't have to fix anything
because there was nothing
broken in the first place.
We all have the stuff that
just that makes us human,
and there's nothing
wrong with that.
There's nothing wrong with you.
I just want you to love yourself
as much as I love you.
I love you.
This is when you're supposed
to kiss me.
I know.
I should have done this
a long time ago.
Oh!
Atta boy.
My goodness.
My man.
Oh, I'm sorry. Continue.
For me, there's only
ever been one person
and that's you.
Ah!
Susie, Faye, Eloise,
Marguerite, Cunningham.
Um...
Um...
Grump.
I'm gonna get you a better
ring, I promise.
But in the meantime,
will you marry me?
Yes! Yes.
Yes. Yes.
Yes. Of course!
Yes!
How's that for foolish?
Charming.
I love you.
I love you.
- We're getting married.
- We're getting married!
- Santa's here!
- Santa.
Santa came, look at that.
Let me see this.
- Here you go, Mom.
- Thank you.
Here you go.
Gentlemen.
Merry Christmas.
Are you sure I'm not
interrupting?
You're not interrupting a thing.
Come on in.
Okay.
Those better be
peanut butter cookies.
Oh, yeah. Of course.
My man. Let's go.
Well, it seems Santa
has one more gift, Ma.
Hey!
Roy!
Hopefully, this will be the
first of many Christmases
we'll spend together.
Mom, we we also owe you
a huge apology.
Yeah. We're really sorry, Ma.
That's enough of that, huh?
Okay?
It's Christmas.
I'm the happiest mom
in the whole world.
Hug. Hug, hug, hug!
What did you do?
- What did you do?
- What's happening?
Awesome!
Oh, yes!
And Christmas was saved!
- That was a good time!
- Yeah!!!