Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun teen ensemble romcom has language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Let It Snow
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and heartfelt messages that resonates well with families and teens. While it features some mature content and departs significantly from the original book, viewers appreciate its entertaining storytelling and diverse representation, making it a favorite holiday watch for many.
- family-friendly
- diverse characters
- humorous moments
- emotional themes
- book disappointment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School ) , Holidays
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude sexual material, strong language, and teen partying
- Last updated : December 25, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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