'Almost Christmas' stars credit cast chemistry for film's authenticity

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- "Almost Christmas" cast members say they had great chemistry on set, which contributed to authentic emotional moments throughout the new holiday movie.

"What really made it work is a lot of the actors in the movie, we have history already," star J.B. Smoove said during the film's premiere at the Regency Village Theater in Westwood last Thursday.

"That made every sad moment, every drama moment, every funny moment work even better because we have a history, and once the cameras and you say cut you still continue to laugh," Smoove added.

On a similar note, actress Kimberly Elise said that history led the cast to really enjoy each other's company.

"It was nonstop hilarity. We laughed nonstop. We had such a good time. It was like we all just won the lottery," Elise said.

Actor Romany Malco expressed his admiration for the movie's heartfelt family story.

"This is a great way to escape and be reminded that ultimately, we are all human beings and the only way to truthfully get past anything is with love," Malco said.

Also sharing her admiration for the film was actress Mo'Nique.

"You can never get enough of goodness, you can never get enough of growth, you can never get enough of love, and that's what this movie is," she said.

"Almost Christmas" is set to release Friday.