Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated sequel lacks magic; some mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Swan Princess Christmas
What's the Story?
Princess Odette and Prince Derek are visiting his home for the holidays, hoping for a memorable holiday. Unfortunately, they arrive to find that some people have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and are competing to stage the biggest pageant and throw the biggest party, rather than just enjoy time with friends and family. Even worse, the evil wizard Rothbart has followed them and is determined to destroy the holiday and wreak vengeance upon the happy couple. Can Derek and Odette foil his evil plan?
Is It Any Good?
Part of the long-running Swan Princess video series, this movie brings back all the familiar characters, including the couple's animal friends, but lacks the charm of the original tale. This installment tries to merge a standard-ish sequel, featuring another dastardly plot from the couple's nemesis Rothbart, with a wholesome find-the-real-meaning-of-Christmas lesson. The result feels forced, with plot elements bolted together, including some uninspired musical numbers and a few plot twists that seem to come from nowhere. (Just how does the ghostly Rothbart manage to come up with the exact magical spell to restore his body?)
Young viewers who have become attached to the tales of Derek and Odette may enjoy seeing this holiday adventure. Otherwise, the film isn't especially memorable or appealing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sequels. How does The Swan Princess Christmas fit into the rest of the Swan Princess stories? Does this sequel live up to the others?
Is the Swan Princess a strong female? Or does she need a man to save her, like so many other fairy tale heroines?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 8, 2013
- Cast : Elle Deets , Yuri Lowenthal
- Director : Richard Rich
- Studio : Sony Pictures Animation
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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