Angela's Christmas Wish

Parents need to know that Angela's Christmas Wish continues the adventures of the animated characters inspired by novelist Frank McCourt. References are made to the first film, Angela's Christmas, but you don't have to have seen it to appreciate this sequel. Set in Limerick, Ireland, in 1913, the movie's setting and conditions could feel unfamiliar or even a bit sad to very young viewers, and there are some emotional scenes. But the ending is happy for all of the characters, including main character Angela (voiced by Lucy O'Connell) and her siblings. The contrast between the circumstances of Angela's poor family/neighbors and those of the wealthy family of the local vet is evident, but the message here is that money doesn't buy happiness, just as scarcity doesn't necessarily bring misery. Angela and her siblings make do with very little, but they have rich imaginations, demonstrate resourcefulness and generosity, and they're clearly well loved. Angela and her brother try raising money by singing in a local pub, and they face potential dangers when they try to sneak onto a boat, but the film has no seriously scary or iffy content. Language includes "Holy mother of Mary," "scaredy-cat," and "mother of God." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.