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Let It Snow
Common Sense says
- PG-13
- 2019
- 93 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Let It Snow is a fast-paced holiday romcom in which a group of Midwestern teens spends Christmas Eve managing a series of emotional challenges, both separately and together. Other than twins who bully others in brief sequences -- in one, they repeatedly slam a skater to the ice -- there aren't any villains. But the kids are sometimes their own worst enemies. They make mistakes or misbehave; learn important truths about themselves, their relationships, and their families; and then work toward resolving their issues. Expect some swearing and sexual references/innuendo, including "balls," "ass," "s--t," "hell," "bitch," and one instance each of "f--k," "d--k," and "p---y." Characters kiss, and there's some underage drinking/partying with no obvious consequences. It's based on the 2009 YA book by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Heartfelt holiday teen rom-com gets emotional
What's the story?
It's Christmas Eve in LET IT SNOW. During the day, high schoolers are struggling with romance, relationships, and the very fact of growing up. In three stories, characters face truths about who they are and what they want. In one, Julie (Isabela Merced) is afraid to leave her very ill mom to accept a prestigious college scholarship when she meets a surprising young singer (Shameik Moore) who may help impact her decision. The longtime friendship between Addie (Odeya Rush) and Dorrie (Liv Hewson) is threatened when each struggles with budding romantic adventures. And, finally, the bond between "The Duke" (Kiernan Shipka) and Tobin (Mitchell Hope), friends since they were kids, just may be changing in ways they didn't expect. That night, all roads lead to the Waffle House, where disc jockey Keon (Jacob Batalon) gathers a crowd for an all-out holiday party.
Is it any good?
This is an all-around high-energy production, featuring spirited young performers with terrific chemistry when it's needed. And the happy endings make these intercut stories (based on the 2009 YA book by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson) feel fresh, if not original. Viewers will know what to expect from the very beginning, but they'll be engaged, rooting for their favorites, and they'll feel good when the credits roll. Special kudos to Joan Cusack and Andrea de Oliveira, who are wonderful in their roles as savvy adults; Cusack is, as always, delightfully playful. Not entirely "wholesome" (sadly, the profanity and underage drinking will keep some kids and/or parents away), Let It Snow is a seriously warmhearted holiday effort. The cast and crew must have had a great time making it.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the underage drinking in Let It Snow. Are there consequences for that behavior in this movie? What are some negative outcomes that kids can face because of that behavior? Why is it important to be aware of those outcomes?
Discuss the music in this film. How did it enhance the story? The mood? Find out what the film term "spotting music" means.
Was this movie predictable? When did you realize how each story would end? Did it matter, or did you enjoy the journeys of everyone involved?
Movie details
- On DVD or streaming: November 8, 2019
- Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Joan Cusack, Shameik Moore
- Director: Luke Snellin
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, High School, Holidays, Misfits and Underdogs
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: crude sexual material, strong language, and teen partying
- Last updated: December 13, 2019
Themes & Topics
For kids who love the holidays
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.