A Unicorn for Christmas
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A Unicorn 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 A Unicorn for Christmas is a fun (if predictable) story about believing in Christmas magic. Abby James Witherspoon (niece of Reese) stars as Izzy, a young city girl whose family moves to a country farm, where her father (Chuck Wicks) has been hired to run the annual Christmas carnival. When Izzy discovers a unicorn named Snowflake, she's delighted -- but becomes distraught when she realizes that only those who believe can see Snowflake's horn. Between her father's boss (Ed Mariano) stealing Snowflake to exploit her for money and her brother Max's (Christian Finlayson) antics, Izzy must hold on to her strong belief in Christmas magic to pull through. There's some behavior that verges on animal cruelty: Teens purposely scare a goat, which passes out when it gets startled. Most characters are thinly drawn and fairly clichéd, but positive messages about courage and perseverance come through as Izzy's efforts to save Snowflake are eventually recognized by all members of her family. Married adults are affectionate, but there's no kissing. Language is limited to "dumb."
What's the Story?
A UNICORN FOR CHRISTMAS follows the Campbell family after they move from busy New York City to a farm in Georgia to run a Christmas carnival. Farm life is boring at first, until young Izzy (Abby James Witherspoon) is introduced to a pony named Snowflake. When she realizes that Snowflake is actually a unicorn, Izzy is excited to share that magic with the rest of her family -- if they could only see it! As Christmas nears, Izzy must protect her new friend from a money-hungry carnival owner while also adjusting to her new home.
Is It Any Good?
This is a cute family holiday movie that proudly stands on the shoulders of every other cute family holiday movie that came before it. While A Unicorn for Christmas doesn't offer anything unique in its plot or characters, it knows its place as a quaint story about the power of believing. What particularly comes across very well is Izzy's constant belief not only in Snowflake's magic, but in herself.
Izzy's brother, Max (Christian Finlayson), is interesting to watch as he deals with peer pressure in low-stakes situations. Seeing him learn to trust and believe in Izzy is ultimately heartwarming, if predictable, and it presents a good opportunity for family discussion. Kids will likely enjoy watching Izzy and Max take down the villains, but may cringe at some of their clichéd dialogue. Overall, this wholesome movie is a fine pick for family movie night during the Christmas season, as long as you don't have high expectations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of speaking up for yourself. How do each of the four Campbell family members stand up for what they believe in?
How does Izzy demonstrate courage in A Unicorn for Christmas? Why is it important for her to stand up for Snowflake?
Talk about perseverance: It can be hard to keep trying when you feel like giving up. Why is it important to Izzy that her family believes that Snowflake is a unicorn?
If you were Izzy, how would you feel moving away from home, even if your best friend was only a video call away?
Think about Izzy's brother, Max. How does his attitude about Snowflake change through the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 4, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: November 24, 2022
- Cast: Abby James Witherspoon, Sunny Mabrey, Charlene Tilton
- Director: Stacia Crawford
- Studio: Level 33 Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Brothers and Sisters, Great Girl Role Models, Holidays, Horses and Farm Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 20, 2023
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Live-action take on classic has some crude, scary moments.
For kids who love holiday fun
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