The Christmas Chronicles

We watched this as we let out thanksgiving meal settle. It was the perfect choice for the kids (age range 5-12) and the parents. The acting was fine and the jokes were funny. I even got a little choked up at times when they talked about their recently deceased dad. All in all, a fine film. Probably not an instant classic, but good enough to watch and not feel like I wasted 1.5 hours of my life. I loved the new interpretation of elves as almost gremlin-like creatures.

Excellent fun! Enough humour for kids and adults. Anyone not liking this is definitely on the naughty list!

Kurt Russell probably had more fun with this movie than anything else he has ever done.

Going to be a Christmas classic...you'll see.

Kurt Russell brings total coolness to the magic of Santa. Without Russell's personality, it wouldn't feel original but his presence brings the story to life. Some moments feel a little twee admittedly but a lovely tale with just the right amount of wit and character from the young actors.

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!

My new favorite Christmas movie! I have lived to the perfect age, long enough to see Kurt Russell protray Santa and he is perhaps the best, most endearing, Santa I have seen in many a moon. Both my son and myself hope that Netflix will make this an annual event and perhaps a series of Santa movies with Mr. Russell!