Seeing this title on the Netflix holiday movie menu, I shook my head, thinking "Oh brother, another syrupy Christmas movie featuring an all-brat cast. OK I'm bored enough." But when I saw the little girl doing a video letter to Santa and her big brother hitting her in the head with his sneaker, I laughed my rump off! Then. I knew this movie wasn't gonna be the usual sap and I was right.
Yup, this holiday movie is far from the usual Hallmark/Lifetime junk that spews out every year. Even though it's a total fantasy flick, the people and their lives are realistically portrayed. The little girl doesn't just mumble cutesy words like we see all the time, she is actually very talented, believable, and likable. Her brother is no different.
Kurt Russell is outstanding as a wise-cracking Santa, but they level out his character so he doesn't stray off too far from Yuletide traditions. A big plus there. Kurt could possible be the greatest actor to ever play the Jolly One!
You can easily figure out this was influenced by "The Polar Express" and "Ernest Saves Christmas", but it definitely holds its own and effectively. Possibly, "The Christmas Chronicles" is better than either one. It's loaded with Christmas beauty and attractive special effects! I guarantee this movie will revive Christmas spirit in you, considering you are human.
Just when I was losing my faith in new holiday movies, seeing this was like a breath of fresh Arctic air! Destined to become as treasured as "It's A Wonderful Life".
The only complaints I have, and they are minor ones, is the overuse of pop-culture words like "cool" and a wee bit of political correction. But, all the positives dwarf out these nicely.
So, if you are desperately looking to add a new Christmas movie to your favorites, make room for "The Christmas Chronicles", I sure will.
It does appear a sequel is already in the works, and I hope it's a worthy one, because this will be a tough act to follow. But since Netflix producers appear to possess something rare these days called talent, they may just hit bulls-eye again. I wouldn't be surprised if a number of sequels are released, for joy!
