Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

Paper Angels

By Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Holiday tale has serious themes, faith-based messages.

Movie NR 2015 90 minutes
Paper Angels Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Paper Angels Movie: Scene #1
  • Paper Angels Movie: Scene #2
  • Paper Angels Movie: Scene #3
  • Paper Angels Movie: Scene #4

Community Reviews

See all
age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Godwise_when_troubled
Godwise_when_troubled Adult
December 18, 2021
age 18+

Seems Great But I Just Found Flaws When Researching

Let's be more cautious about what's right and wrong to God. This film could have passed as a good one. As a well experienced, wiser Christian I found something that may not be easily processed by other Christians: as it goes with movies, kissing (or as with other named Christian films, sleeping with a married partner) in actuality for the actors I detect as wrong. God says "not to show a hint of evil" as saintly actors kiss in this movie. Oh. This is from a true story though I'm not sure if the couple's married in real life. Questionable. Secondly, I noticed on a review site that a woman's neckline was very close to her chest. I've learned to pay more attention to what would really be too close in this case. So, I needed to consider between the chest and neck where the neckline's lowest point is. Much needed nowadays than before and thankfully, I understand a Christian female who so desired a certain shirt or has perceptions different than said here. I see the question is not "too much sexuality or not" in movies, but is the motivation for such sexuality pure and wise when living by righteous absolutes. Thanks, indeed.
People2
People2 Adult
November 3, 2021
age 10+

Great message

I thoughtRustin Grisuik made it great hope to see more movie with him in it.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Two stories are interwoven in PAPER ANGELS. The Brandt family is in crisis. Having escaped her brutal, alcoholic husband, Lynn Brandt (Josie Bissett) and her two kids, Thomas (a solid, engaging Rustin Greziuk) and Sara (a delightful Farryn VanHumbeck), are adjusting to a new life in a new town. The Morrells, Kevin (Matthew Settle) and Jenny (Kendra Anderson), are awaiting the birth of twin boys when, just before the holidays, Kevin's business is faced with a shattering loss of revenue, putting his entire company at risk. The Brandts and the Morrells cross paths at the town's community center, where new kid Thomas is the butt of a popular bully's taunting. The stakes rise as the bullying gets worse, the Morrell pregnancy becomes problematic, and the Brandt family may be in danger from the dad they still pray for. Lucky for all, the Salvation Army has an active Christmas program -- kids in need make wish lists to hang on the organization's Christmas tree from which caring community members pick them to provide a happy holiday. Faith and friendship play major roles as both families confront their problems with empathy, generosity, and love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Heartfelt messages, good performances, and solid production values turn what might have been a very conventional Christmas movie into a pleasant, positive viewing experience. It doesn't matter that in reality there probably aren't many teen boys as kind and unrelentingly unselfish as Thomas, because the character is a wonderful role model. In fact, most of the people in this story represent the very best in all of us. The movie honors ideal single-parenting, sincere faith, a conscientious business model, an always loving and close marriage, compassionate social organizations, forgiveness, and second chances. Does everything come easily here? Yes ... and it's nice to be reminded that sometimes that's the way life works.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the cyberbullying shown in this film. Does the explanation -- "He's an insecure jock who makes himself feel important by bullying other people around" -- feel authentic to you? Has your school, community, or family discussed cyberbullying? What methods have been developed to deal with such behavior? Are you aware that everyone has a responsibility to react appropriately when cyberbullying occurs?

  • The words "charity" and "charity case" were used several times in this movie. Different folks behaved charitably in different ways. Discuss the various forms of generosity in which the characters participated. Was money always a factor in the contributions they made?

  • How did the music used in this film contribute to your enjoyment of and emotional response to the story as you watched?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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.

See how we rate