A Castle for Christmas

A Castle for Christmas
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the Scotland-set A Castle for Christmas is pretty friendly-family fare, though it isn't likely to interest the youngest. While it's a romance, there's more sparring than kissing (just a couple of kisses and it's suggested that two characters are retiring to a bedroom to sleep together). The main characters are late middle-aged, and they're both at a crossroads in life, but experience has shown them that community, family, and people are more important than possessions. One successful character is generous with her money. Adults drink alcohol regularly, from wine and champagne to whiskey at the local pub, where the town's characters hang out. Language includes "ass," "arse," "daft," "bugger," "moron," "sod," and some other local terms revolving around being an "idiot."
Community Reviews
Way too suggestive...should not be tv-g
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The best movie in the world
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What's the Story?
Best-selling author Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields) has angered her readers by killing off a beloved character at the start of A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS. She decides to take a break and escape to Scotland to see the castle where her father grew up as a member of the groundskeeping family. When she finds out the castle is for sale, she decides to buy it. But the owner, a gruff yet handsome duke (Cary Elwes), is hoping to talk her out of it and remain in the castle himself. He negotiates a deal for the two to share the castle with the idea to make her so miserable she'll leave. He doesn't count on falling in love.
Is It Any Good?
With all the hallmarks of, well, a Hallmark movie, this Scottish-set romance stumbles --despite likable characters -- because of a predictable story and some typecasting. Viewers of a certain age might be curious about A Castle for Christmas thanks to the pairing of stars Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes. Attractive and charismatic, they both do their best with the material, and some of their flirtatious sparring is cute. But Elwes in particular is straddled with a poorly-developed character and a laborious accent. Why the production put two England-born Brits in the lead male roles as Scots, with one of them wearing kilts even as he does house chores, is anyone's guess.
Be warned, Scottish viewers: you are once again depicted as merry, folk-dancing, whiskey-drinking, plaid-wearing pub-dwellers. Meanwhile, the arrival of the wealthy American who will bring this village and its castle back to life is played entirely straight. The Christmas timing is also gratuitous. There's a scene where two characters checking into the inn are given lingering attention. Why? Were they written out of the final film but their intro left in? It's confusing. Still, there's something refreshing about a silver screen romance starring late middle-aged actors, and the film's locations and folksy music are appealing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A Castle for Christmas's setting in Scotland, where a character suggests there are more than 3,000 castles. Where could you go for more information about these structures?
Sophie Brown is attacked by fans of her novels for killing off a beloved character. Can you think of a real-life writer, musician, or filmmaker who has suffered a similar backlash for a creative decision? How did they handle it? Did it eventually blow over?
Look up the film's stars, Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes, if you don't already know them. What are they best known for? Have they ever worked together before?
Would this film have changed significantly if it had been set during a different time of the year than Christmas? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 26, 2021
- Cast: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, Lee Ross
- Director: Mary Lambert
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Holidays
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: August 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love the holidays
Themes & Topics
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