The Naughty Nine

I'll be honest, at first I thought it was gonna be a stupid movie just by judging the concept for this. After watching this, it kinda is, but turned out okay. The Naughty Nine is a mixed heist where some may have gone well, while others that have been blown. It may have a generic story, stale jokes and some of the characters being bland. But there are some of the things that surprised me such as good acting, creative set ups for the North Pole, and the heart of the film that connects well. I won't say that it's a must watch, but if you're looking for a Christmas movie from Disney Channel, this might be something during Christmas time. But maybe at least once to see what you think of the movie more than the stupid concept of a naughty list heist. It may not be the best heist I've seen, but like the Naughty Nine themselves, at least it's to change a little bit of Disney Channel's colors for Christmas movies.

The Naughty Nine is a family movie that is underrated for its underrated sub-genre of children's Christmas movies. The film follows nine children, Andy, Dulce, Andy, and Dulce, who set out to steal their toys from Santa after being denied gifts for being naughty. The film begins as a traditional trope of misfits and hijinks but quickly transforms into an action-packed film as they work together to prove their worth. However, things get complicated as they get over their heads and everything starts to go wrong. The film explores the traits of each character, highlighting why they are on the naughty list. Some characters are silly, like Albert, while others are intense, like Jon Anthony. However, the main issue is not their naughtiness, but their false beliefs about themselves that led to poor decision-making. For Dulce, it's the belief that her parents don't care, for Laurel, it's a lack of self-belief, for Jon Anthony, it's a belief that they're fraud, and for Andy, it's the belief that he can't be good. The film's Christmas atmosphere and themes are relatable, making the audience feel glad they pressed play. Director Alberto Belli and screenwriters Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas effectively weave important topics into the movie without making them too "on the nose." The Naughty Nine is a family movie that teaches valuable lessons about having a good conscience, maintaining strong friendships, believing in others, and the importance of family. It is not just for children, but everyone should see it. The movie ends with Santa, played by Danny Glover, reminding us that we have a chance to make things right and redeem ourselves. The movie is perfect for those who enjoyed other holiday films like Santa Hunters, The Ultimate Christmas Present, and Unaccompanied Minors. The Naughty Nine is a light-hearted comedic film that reminds us that the most important thing to do each day isn't being naughty, but being nice. It's a must-see for everyone, especially those who enjoyed other holiday films like Santa Hunters, The Ultimate Christmas Present, and Unaccompanied Minors. The Naughty Nine TV movie features beautiful production values, with a magical North Pole feel. Digital set extensions, volumetric sets, and computer-animated characters, including reindeer, create a convincing version of Santa's village. The designers add timeless touches, anchored by Danny Glover's portrayal of Santa Claus. The story revolves around naughty kids trying to steal Christmas, with Santa's role as subtle parenting, guiding kids to do the right thing on their own. The Naughty Nine is a Disney story about morality and rightdoing, with the title indicating any wrongdoings. The kids, each with their unique talents, discover how to use their strengths to achieve their dreams, demonstrating the power of teamwork and making dreams a reality.

Let me begin with the positives first because there aren't too many. The sets in this movie are probably the best I've ever seen for a Christmas film, which is unfortunate because the rest of this movie is complete garbage. Not only does this movie teach kids to be naughty, but it also represents everything that Christmas shouldn't be. And Danny Glover as Santa? Really? Not that I'm opposed to it, but why him? He comes across as judgmental and unforgiving, contradicting everything Santa is known for. I simply don't understand why this movie spends almost its entire runtime teaching children to misbehave, steal, and lie, and then, in the last 5 minutes, Danny Glover appears at the very end, telling the naughty kids that he needs their help, with no explanation whatsoever. Sure, the naughty kids might learn their lesson to some extent, but to have an entire movie completely undermine the essence of Christmas and the importance of being good? I don't think this movie sends kids the right messages at all. But as I said, the set design in this movie is the best I've ever seen, and that's the only good thing about it. It seems like Disney wanted to create a naughty Christmas movie to teach kids that it's okay to misbehave.

The Naughty Nine is an enjoyable holiday romp rittled with plot holes, which is somehow held together care of a few strong performances by the child actors playing the title characters. Beware if you have mischievous, thrill-seeking children... This movie offers plenty of inspiration. Some potential fun is sacrificed in service to a plot and pace that feels weighed down by the sheer amount of ground it purports to cover (and the number of characters sharing significant screen time). This reviewer may have dozed off in the latter half but I recall only one of the "Naughty" getting a satisfying redemptive arc, which, again, is a result of a story bogged down by the overall concept. There are fun moments and ideas a-plenty but leaks spring from the plot holes hastily covered with a thin veneer of sugary, peppermint glaze. Some solid performances left this viewer pining for a more concise holiday jaunt, but the 8 year old viewer next to us squealed in delight when the sequel was teased, so Naughty Nine certainly struck a few notes just right. 5.7/10.

The Naughty Nine is a holiday romp that blends the whimsy of a Christmas caper with the cheeky charm of a middle school heist. The plot, while not exactly groundbreaking, delivers enough laughs and light-hearted mischief to keep things engaging. Andy Steele and Dulce Gutierrez are the quintessential naughty-but-nice kids, leading a motley crew of misfits on a quest to the North Pole that's as absurd as it is amusing. The ensemble, each with their own brand of 'naughtiness,' brings a diverse array of humor and hijinks, making their interactions a highlight of the film.

Where the film trips up is in its attempt to juggle too many subplots. Jon Anthony's fashion faux pas and the late-game moral lesson from Santa feel shoehorned in, diluting the central theme of childhood rebellion. The film shines in its playful antics and the chemistry between the young cast, but struggles to maintain a consistent tone, wavering between slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments.

The visual effects and North Pole setting are adequately realized, though they don't push any new boundaries. It's the performances of the young actors that truly carry the film, particularly the dynamic between Winslow Fegley and Madilyn Kellam. Their sibling rivalry, peppered with moments of unexpected teamwork, adds a layer of depth to an otherwise straightforward narrative.

In conclusion, The Naughty Nine is a decent holiday movie that offers enough entertainment for a family movie night. It doesn't reinvent the sleigh, but it doesn't need to. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the spirited performances of its young cast. It's the cinematic equivalent of a stocking stuffer - not the main present, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.