Parents' Guide to

Angels Sing

By Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Sappy, star-studded holiday flick is clean family fun.

Movie PG 2013 87 minutes
Angels Sing Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

Michael Walker (Harry Connick Jr.) lost his Christmas spirit after a family tragedy that occurred when he was a young boy. Despite the efforts of his son, David (Chandler Canterbury); his wife, Susan (Connie Britton); and his mom (Fionnula Flanagan) and dad (Kris Kristofferson), Michael refuses to celebrate the holiday. Musical neighbors (including Lyle Lovett) and the generous gift of the mysterious Nick (Willie Nelson) aren't enough to combat Michael's grinchiness until another family tragedy forces him to examine his own feelings about the true meaning of Christmas and family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

ANGELS SING feels like your basic made-for-TV Christmas movie, only given an upgrade with an all-star cast; it's formulaic and a little hokey, but somehow you don't really mind. Although it's sappy, the emotional connections are believable and the characters are likable. And kids and parents alike will enjoy the music, which plays a central role in the film. From the silly made-up lyrics in Kris Kristofferson's "12 Days of Christmas" to the wistful duets with Lyle Lovett, all the music is a far cry from the usual Christmas fare.

The clichéd plot keeps it from competing with the holiday classics, but Angels Sing is definitely a movie you could watch again next Christmas, if only to hear the different takes on Christmas carols.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of Christmas lights and decorations in the film. Why do you think they're so important? How do Christmas lights represent the spirit of Christmas?

  • Do you like the music in the movie? What's your favorite holiday song?

  • What's your favorite holiday movie? Why is it your favorite?

Movie Details

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