The Claus Family 2
The Claus Family 2
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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 The Claus Family 2 is a Belgian sequel about a young boy who discovers his grandpa is Santa Claus. The film tries to broaden its audience by having Santa make a point about delivering gifts even to kids who don't celebrate Christmas. The cast is also diverse. The main character's mother is a widow who seems open to finding love again. Characters play matchmaker. Two men kiss, revealing their relationship. At one point Jules puts himself in harm's way to save a small girl from a fire. The film has positive messages about the value of trying and learning new things, no matter your age, and remembering that the holidays are about love.
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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
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Holidays
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 9, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Claus Family
Pleasant Santa tale has some emotional intensity.
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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Christmas musical has imagination, positivity, diversity.
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The Christmas Chronicles
Edgy, exciting Santa adventure has iffy behavior, peril.
-
Binti
Immigrant characters face peril in heartwarming film.
For kids who love the holidays
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