Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ho-hum Christmas comedy has positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Holiday Twist
What's the Story?
In HOLIDAY TWIST, shipping executive Connie (Kelly Stables) is successful at business but doesn't quite realize that she's a failure with her family. But after meeting people (Caylee Cowan, Blake Leeper, James Maslow) who have a more magical outlook on life, Connie pivots her energy into time spent with her family and community members in need.
Is It Any Good?
It would be a stretch to call this Christmas comedy good, but its good intentions are obvious. First-time writer-director Stephanie Garvin clearly has her heart in the right place, but whether she's trying to hit a bingo-card's worth of Christmas movie cliches with a knowing wink or is unintentionally being derivative isn't unclear, there's just waaaaaay too much going on. There's an angel and a Santa who change the perspective of a disillusioned protagonist, bumbling thieves (Neal McDonough, Brian Thomas Smith) who break in to steal Christmas presents, a grinchy person whose heart grows three sizes in one day, a soaring original holiday song, and, of course, a Christmas miracle.
While Garvin needs to work on story structure, her dialogue is entertaining. And it's elevated by Stables, whose cheery, chummy delivery makes even her cattiest comments come off as cute, helping viewers see Connie's potential and root for her to get her priorities straight. An interesting cast has been assembled for the film, and while not everyone in it should pursue more acting gigs, they all do offer something special to the film, from an incredible singing voice to a glimpse of real-life inspiration. Overall, this is a ho-hum holiday rehash, but still, thanks to the positive messages and a fantastic closing number from Jake Miller with choreography by Abby Lee Miller (Dance Moms), there's a warm-cup-of-cocoa feeling about the whole thing that's hard to shake.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Holiday Twist's messages. If you celebrate Christmas, what does the holiday season mean to you?
What does it mean to "shine a light where others can't see"?
What elements are common in holiday movies? What was the "twist" in this holiday tale? What are your favorite holiday movies, and how does Holiday Twist compare?
How does Connie realize that her priorities are in the wrong place? How can something "bad" or disappointing sometimes lead to something "good"?
Discuss the "Santa Rex" character. How does he demonstrate perseverance? Is he an example of positive representation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 1, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : December 15, 2023
- Cast : Kelly Stables , Sean Astin , Neal McDonough
- Director : Stephanie Garvin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : ETM Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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