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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Christmas Chronicles (2018) in Movies

Dec 20, 2018

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

2018 | Animation, Comedy, Family

8.4

(49 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Solid Holiday Film

Two siblings have to help Santa save Christmas after they are responsible for destroying his sleigh.

Acting: 8

Beginning: 8
The movie takes a little bit of time to get ramped up, but it’s a somewhat understandable setup. Director Clay Kaytis is trying to get us emotionally involved in the characters and succeeds to a certain extent. I have to admit, I wasn’t fully invested in the movie after watching the first ten minutes. Once it gets going, though, you’re in for a treat.

Characters: 8
I wasn’t in love with the two main characters Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy (Judah Lewis). They seemed very cookie-cutter, almost too “Hallmarky” for me. The acting could have something to do with it, I don’t know. I will say that I grew to really like them over time.

Kurt Russell’s Santa Clause was outstanding, hands-down one of the most creative depictions of Santa I have ever seen. He made the entire movie fun. He’s cool, but naive at the same time. He has a big heart, but he doesn’t take any crap either. He stole every moment of every scene he was in to the point where I wouldn’t mind seeing him again running the helm in a sequel. Call me crazy, but I think it’s one of his best roles. I could use another two hours of just him and the elves.

Cinematography/Visuals: 10

Conflict: 10

Genre: 8

Memorability: 9
It’s all about the creativity here as that’s what made the film so memorable. Christmas films have been done and redone so it’s always refreshing to get a new spin on things. While the basics are similar, I can guarantee you this is a Christmas film unlike any you have ever seen. The angry elves were probably my favorite touch, but there are a number of other fun things that stood out as well like Santa’s magic hat.

Pace: 9

Plot: 9

Resolution: 8

Overall: 87
While The Christmas Chronicles does few things exceptionally well, the film succeeds with a solid Santa and a big heart. It’s a solid holiday movie to add to the collection for adults and children alike. Well worth the watch.