Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some emotional intensity in uplifting Ireland-set sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Angela's Christmas Wish
What's the Story?
In ANGELA'S CHRISTMAS WISH, Angela (voiced by Lucy O'Connell) and her siblings long for the return of their dad (Moe Dunford), who left for Australia two years ago. Deciding to take matters into their own hands and give their mom (Ruth Negga) a Christmas surprise, Angela and her brother Pat (Brendan Mullins) hatch plans to bring their dad home. When digging to Australia doesn't work, they consult an atlas and decide they'll take a train. When they're told that won't get them there, they opt for a ship. The film follows the pair as they explore their various ideas, raise funds for the trip, and involve the daughter (Lola Metcalfe) of the local vet in their plans. What they don't know is that their mom has her own Christmas surprise in store.
Is It Any Good?
Has there even been a more endearing hero than the wide-eyed, red-ponytailed title character of Angela's Christmas Wish? You can't help but root for her from the start, and when her wish is granted at the end and her animated and freckled face twists in shock, relief, and joy, only the most stoic of viewers will resist a tear. Angela is kind, hopeful, and determined. When she errs, she does so with the best of intentions.
As scripted by writer-director Damien O'Connor, based on characters from Angela's Ashes author Frank McCourt, the reality of the poverty around Angela's family only makes the character's sweetness and generosity more moving. Secondary characters are memorable, especially an old man with a pregnant cow but empty coffers and a blind accordion player busking for coins. The animated settings, like the central church and cobbled streets, bring a blue-tinged, December-chilled Limerick to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mother's story of the fat king and the skinny pauper in Angela's Christmas Wish. What was the moral of this story?
Where is Ireland? Can you find it and Australia on a map? How would people travel between these two countries today?
What did you learn about the time and place of this film's setting? How would you compare it to your life today?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 1, 2020
- Cast : Lucy O'Connell , Brendan Mullins , Ruth Negga
- Director : Damien O'Connor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Integrity
- Run time : 47 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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