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Christmas Thieves
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Muddled family Christmas film has moments of mild peril.
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Christmas Thieves
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What's the Story?
In CHRISTMAS THIEVES, brother and sister Liam (Lorenzo McGovern Zaini) and Olivia (Mia McGovern Zaini) are left home alone on Christmas Eve, while their mother is called out to a police job. When thieves Frank (Tom Arnold) and Vince (Michael Madsen) take refuge at their home after committing a robbery dressed as Santa and his elf, the kids believe they have been sent to babysit and soon become entranced by their magical storybook that conjures an adorable animated world.
Is It Any Good?
Combining animation and live action can be a tricky challenge. Christmas Thieves is no exception with the film flipping between the two, never really acknowledging the place of the animation within the story, or, in fact, giving the animation much of a story of its own. Arnold and Madsen are enjoyable enough as the bumbling thieves. But films featuring criminals dressed as Santa and his elves have been seen a million times before, and there's no new injection of magic here.
The animation itself may appeal to younger viewers, with its wide-eyed animals and slapstick antics. But its simplicity, in terms of both visuals and storyline, will likely lose the attention of older kids. All the elements are here -- family separated at Christmas, thieves dressed as Santa, a storybook coming to life -- but they are so lightly linked together the film threatens to run out of steam, even in its short 77-minute running time. It concludes with an ending that feels disjointed, lackluster, and one that offers up very little Christmas spirit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the ideas of good and bad are discussed in Christmas Thieves. How did the movie contradict itself when it came to how it talked about people only being good or bad? Do you think people can only be one thing or the other? Or is it more complicated than that?
What did the film teach about family and friendship? Did you think the characters learned anything from each other? If so, what?
How did the storybook aspect tie in? Can you think of any other movies that use a similar device?
Do you celebrate Christmas? Talk about ways you and your family mark occasions important to you.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 5, 2021
- Cast: Tom Arnold , Michael Madsen , Katie McGovern
- Director: Francesco Cinqueman
- Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Brothers and Sisters , Holidays
- Run time: 77 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 2, 2023
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