Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids face peril in holiday sequel with positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Claus Family 2
What's the Story?
In THE CLAUS FAMILY 2, Jules (Mo Bakker) knows that he's the next Santa and destined to take the reins in the future from his grandfather (Jan Decleir). But he has to keep this a secret from his mom (Bracha van Doesburgh), who has just opened her own cookie shop, and the rest of the family. When Jules finds a letter written by the little girl across the street, Marie (Jasmina Fall), asking Santa to get her divorced parents back together, Jules is inspired to help. But he'll have to go against the wishes of his grandfather, who says Santa must not get involved in personal requests like this one.
Is It Any Good?
This family-oriented follow-up offers more Belgium-set holiday festivities, and the film does well to focus more on interpersonal relations and less on fantasy. Of course, considering the premise of The Claus Family 2 -- that a grandfather, who is actually Santa, is training his grandson to take over the family business -- there are still plenty of effects-driven scenes of characters transporting via snow globe to the North Pole and tiny human elves with rocket-powered backpacks working the toy warehouse.
But the sequel smartly shifts the focus to Jules (up-and-comer Bakker) and his path to defining the role of Santa for himself, moving beyond just delivering toys to trying to make a difference in at least one child's life. The fact that his endeavor isn't entirely successful (it's effective, but not in the way he and the child hope) balances the make-believe elements with a nice touch of reality. The sequel's candlelit holiday ambiance is warm, and the elves are funnier this time around.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Jules disobeys his grandpa to help Marie in The Claus Family 2. Do you agree with his decision? Why, or why not?
Does your family have a tradition involving Santa Claus?
Do you know the historical background of the Santa figure? Where could you go for more information?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 8, 2022
- Cast : Jan Decleir , Mo Bakker , Bracha van Doesburgh
- Director : Ruben Vandenborre
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Holidays
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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