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Parents' Guide to

A Castle for Christmas

By Jennifer Green, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Predictable romance in pretty setting; some drinking.

Movie G 2021 99 minutes
A Castle for Christmas Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 12+

Way too suggestive...should not be tv-g

I don't know how this movie got through the rating system as tv-g. While nothing is technically shown in the bedroom scene, the theme of unwed sex is definitely there. Male lead character says something like "we shouldn't do this". Female lead character coyly says "yes, we definitely shouldn't do this" while leading him into his bedroom. As a parent, that content crosses way over the borderline of "G" and firmly into "PG" territory. It is definitely not the scene I want to watch with my young family gathered around me. Also, there is a scene when the lead's daughter asks if the she is drunk and she says "not anymore". So role-model drinking thematic element. And there are multiple singing and drinking scenes which are actually fun but in a definite PG kind of way. And finally, the swearing. While this film does a great job bringing Scotland's accents and unique way of speaking, the female lead has a part where she says "You really are a a**" where she says the American curse term for Scottish "arss". Once again, crossing over into the PG territory. As far as acting, I think the whole cast did well with the exception of Brooke Shields. The whole time I was actually wishing that Drew Barrymore could have played the lead character. As far as the plot, while it was pretty holiday rom-com predictable, the uniqueness and warmth of Scotland helps move the story along in a pleasing way. I would definitely rate it higher if it just was properly rated.
age 18+

The best movie in the world

I liked this movie and I have watched by far 3 times already and it’s a good movie I recommend it

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Movie Details

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