Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mix of religious satire and old-timey holiday-special charm.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Trapped by a bear in his cabin, Stephen Colbert has no way to get to the filming of his Christmas special. Luckily, many musical guests stop by to keep him company: Toby Keith as a hunter, John Legend as a forest ranger, Willie Nelson as the fourth wise man in the nativity scene, Feist as an angel on top of the Christmas tree, and Jon Stewart and Elvis Costello as themselves. DVD extras include a yule log with burning books, a video advent calendar, a bonus song sung by Colbert, and some alternate endings.
Is It Any Good?
Combining an eclectic mix of musicians singing truly catchy comic tunes with the hokey vibe of classic TV Christmas specials, this is sure to be a hit with the "Colbert Nation" fan base and beyond. The best song in the mix comes from Feist, whose angelic voice fits the part. Stewart struggles vocally with his Hanukkah song, but his comic timing makes up for it. Legend could use some acting lessons, but his song about nutmeg expertly combines the bawdy and ridiculous.
Sometimes the religious satire comes close to going over the line -- and it will be way over the line for some -- but with Colbert in character as an ultra-conservative narcisist, it'd be hard to know whom to blame for any offense he may have caused.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about satire and religion. Do you think Colbert is successful at making you laugh, or is it offensive? Or both? Is it easier to laugh knowing that Colbert is playing a character? What freedoms does his character give him? What other examples of religious satire can you name?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 10, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 2008
- Cast : Elvis Costello , Jon Stewart , Stephen Colbert
- Studio : Comedy Central
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 43 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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