Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lengthy Christmas adventure has some peril and scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Christmas Chronicles 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie has a mix of opinions, ranging from enjoyment to disappointment, with many feeling it fails to live up to the original. While some find it engaging with positive messages, others criticize its cheesiness, lack of humor, and underwhelming character development, particularly the absence of a beloved character from the first film.
- mixed opinions
- disappointing sequel
- lacks humor
- character issues
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 begins, Kate Pierce (Darby Camp) and her family are on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Kate has two problems with this. First, they were invited by Kate's mom's new boyfriend (Tyrese Gibson), the first serious relationship the young widow has had since her husband, and Kate's dad, died. Second, in Kate's opinion, Christmas shouldn't be celebrated in the tropics. A "True Believer," Kate prays to Santa to take her away from this holiday nightmare. What she doesn't expect is to be abducted by a disgruntled elf, Belsnickel (Julian Dennison), whose naughty behavior has transformed him into a human and made him intent on destroying Christmas forever. Kate's soon-to-be stepbrother, Jack (Jahzir Bruno), is abducted with her, and the two are sent to Santa's Village as bait to lure Santa (Kurt Russell) and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn) into Belsnickel's evil trap.
Is It Any Good?
The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a holiday blend of action, adventure, comedy, and some drama packed into one gift-wrapped package. The bow on top is Russell, who is charming as Santa and commands every scene, including a hilarious song and dance number at Logan Airport during a disgruntled holiday traffic day. (The acrobatic dance moves of Santa and an airport police officer shouldn't be missed.) By his side, real-life partner Hawn is maternal and sweet as Mrs. Claus. The animated characters, particularly the snuggly elves, complement the actors.
It does feel like there's one idea too many stuffed into this stocking, and the film gets a little tiring at nearly two hours long. Could the opening act be shortened? Is the Boston Airport scene, while full of emotions, entirely relevant to the plot? Is the Santa origin tale, told by Mrs. Claus as a bedtime story, totally necessary? Parents might get a chuckle out of Belsnickel's naughty behavior, which includes a whoopee cushion, some graffiti on Santa's sleigh, and cursing to the degree of "Bah humbug!" But they'll also be the first to wish the editors had been just a little more disciplined in wrapping up this holiday gift.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what is meant by "the spirit of Christmas" in The Christmas Chronicles 2. Where do we see that spirit on display in the film? Have you ever experienced or witnessed the holiday spirit in your life?
If you saw the original Christmas Chronicles, how do the films compare? Do you have a favorite holiday movie?
What did you think of the combination of live action and animation? Which characters did you like the best and worst?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 25, 2020
- Cast : Kurt Russell , Goldie Hawn , Darby Camp
- Director : Chris Columbus
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Holidays
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action/violence and brief language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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