The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Number Rolled: 42

Movie Name/Year: The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Tagline: Santa’s in town early this year.

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family

Length: 104 minutes

Rating: TV-PG

Production Companies: 1492 Pictures, Ocean Blue Entertainment, Madhouse Entertainment, Netflix, Wonder Worldwide

Producers: Chris Columbus, Bill Andrew, Anna Barnathan, Michael Barnathan, David Guggenheim, Geoffrey Hansen, Adam Kolbrenner, Monica Lago-Kaytis, Lyn Lucibello, Robyn Meisinger, Michelle Miller, Tracy K. Price, Mark Radcliffe, Karen Swallow

Director: Clay Kaytis

Writers: David Guggenheim, Matt Lieberman

Actors: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Oliver Hudson, Lamorne Morris, Martin Roach, Jeff Teravainen

Blurb from Netflix: After accidentally crashing Santa's sleigh, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save Christmas with a savvy, straight-talking St. Nick.

Cat’s Point of View:

I have to admit that I have been geeking out a bit since first seeing the trailers for The Christmas Chronicles. I mean, Kurt Russell (Death Proof, The Art of the Steal, The Hateful Eight) as Santa?! Pinch me.

Seriously. Who else would be Saint Nick in a Christmas movie that’s practically an action flick sans explosions? OK don’t answer that question. I’m sure there are a few action film staples that could do the job – but this was a bit of kismet right here.

The part was practically written for him, given that Santa’s list included names of some of his real-world grandkids. Just saying.

My gushing aside, this was actually a really good movie. The effects were on point, and the way the story spun the Santa Clause mythos was thoughtful and believable. How does Santa get down the chimneys? How does he visit the whole world in 1 night? How does he fit all the presents into his bag? Well, watch and see because I’m not spoiling it for you!

There were references to The Night Before Christmas poem sprinkled throughout, as well. I thought they were really nice touches that brought a lot of warmth to the already lovable character.

Hands down, though, Russell makes the coolest Santa ever.

Darby Camp (The Summers Sisters, Benji, Big Little Lies) and Judah Lewis (Demolition, The Babysitter, Summer of 84) were also well-cast as siblings. Their story tugs at your heartstrings without going over-the-top on the maudlin stuff. They’re cute as a button but really had the acting chops to embody their characters well.

I really wasn’t kidding when I mentioned action movies. Flying reindeer, crashes, chases, and a race to save Christmas… it’s all in there. Don’t forget a hefty dose of holiday magic and wonder on top of that!

Unfortunately, I had to watch the movie after my family was already in bed. You can bet that I’ll be watching this again with them – probably even on Christmas Eve. 

Languages

Speech Available: English, German, Spanish, French, Mandarin

Subtitles Available: English [CC], Spanish, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 71%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 81%

Metascore – 52/100

Metacritic User Score – 7.7/10

IMDB Score – 7.2/10

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4.5/5

Movie Trailer: