Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Holiday sequel is bland but highlights family togetherness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Christmas in Paradise
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE continues the story of the 2021 film Father Christmas Is Back -- but this time around, James Christmas (Kelsey Grammer) is facing a personal health battle and wants to keep his family out of it. To do so, he moves all the way to the Caribbean, leaves his relationship, and resolves to spend his last days alone. But when his daughters (Elizabeth Hurley, Nathalie Cox, and Naomi Frederick) come to visit him, things don't go according to James' plans.
Is It Any Good?
This holiday-themed sequel might be more entertaining if you've seen its predecessor, which had more story to tell than this film does. Christmas in Paradise doesn't give new viewers any backstory on its characters or the prior plot, so new viewers are likely to feel a little confused about what's happening.
That said, Christmas in Paradise does manage to tug at the heartstrings when it's revealed that James has cancer, and this plot point provides some moments of drama. In particular, James' cancer diagnosis spurs his daughters to support their dad, which is a positive example of family care. Even so, Christmas in Paradise isn't good enough to stand alone as a complete story, and its sparse script doesn't engage as much as it probably could, especially with a cast that includes both Grammer and Hurley.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationships within the Christmas family. How do the characters demonstrate compassion for each other during a stressful situation?
How do the Christmas sisters show empathy for their father and for each other?
How do the sisters resolve their issues with their father regarding his decision to stay in the Caribbean as he faces his illness?
Did you notice any positive diverse representation in the film? Why is that important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : November 15, 2022
- Cast : Elizabeth Hurley , Kelsey Grammer , Billy Ray Cyrus
- Director : Philippe Martinez
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements, suggestive references, brief language and smoking
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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