Christmas on Salvation Street

Movie review by Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media
Christmas on Salvation Street Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Religious holiday flick is wholesome but hokey.

PG 2014 126 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 2 reviews

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  • Christmas on Salvation Street: Scene #1
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Christmas on Salvation Street is a religious family flick about a pastor's family struggling to find its place in a poor neighborhood. There are a lot of references to violence and crime, including a few tense scenes involving gang members with guns, and one side character dies on-screen (though not violently). There also are some mildly upsetting scenes with CPS threatening to take children from their homes. Although it has a strong overarching message about helping others and a happy ending, the more adult themes make it best for tweens and up.

Community Reviews

lukel1
lukel1 Adult
December 6, 2017
age 8+

GREAT FAMILY MOVIE

I watched this movie from beginning to end... I was captivated by the LOVE AND THE MESSAGE "THAT GOD CARES ABOUT US ALL"... There was another gift from GOD in this movie "FAMILY"... And "THAT STEALING IS WRONG"... Stealing can lead to life of crime... Another thing that I got from this movie was "HOPE"... Sharing the gift of not to just family but strangers and gang members can move a mountain... I pray that many parents allow their children to view this movie and share their what they got out of watching this movie... It is now playing on "NETFLIX"... Please take the time to watch this movie... For it captured my eyes which is the Windows to the soul and the heart... I give this movie a "THUMBS UP" And 5 STARS...!!! GREAT FAMILY MOVIE...!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Adriana N.
Adriana N. Adult
December 5, 2017
age 16+

Inappropriately racist

I really hope people aren’t letting their kids watch this? Like drugs and alcohol are scary, but what about the INSANE amounts of prejudice and racial stereotypes that this movie would not exist without? Nah, keep this away from growing minds. Teens who are learning about the realities of the ugliness of racism and how it’s still so common that they make Christmas movies about it can watch this, but if they’ve been raised with any decency they wouldn’t be able to make it halfway through.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Pastor Noah Davis (Joe Pacheco) is searching for direction after his wife's death when he gets an invitation by former student Charlie (Israel Matos) to come preach at the inner city Salvation Street mission. Along with his two teenage daughters Brianna (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Alexa (Catherine Lidstone), Pastor Noah struggles to connect with his new community, which is much rougher than they're used to. When the family unexpectedly takes in two neighborhood kids, they find themselves at odds with the local gang and unsure if they'll be able to bring hope to their new community while still staying safe.

Is It Any Good?

Although CHRISTMAS ON SALVATION STREET is certainly well intentioned, it's hard not to laugh out loud at the unrealistic depiction of inner-city life and the sometimes cringe-worthy acting. Pastor Noah comes across as the white savior coming in to help the minorities without a very deep discussion about why the neighborhood is impoverished. The interactions with gang members are the most laughable, as he wins them over by literally throwing a Bible at them.

Families looking for a spiritual movie that opens up discussions about helping others and poverty may enjoy this film. There are some really nice messages about the rewards of helping others that are valuable for all viewers. But those who aren't religious most likely will find it too heavy-handed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about helping others. What do you do to help other people?

  • Why do you think some kids join gangs?

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

Movie Details

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