The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Family Holiday Movie Review!

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Image from Netflix

When I first took at look at the holiday slate for Netflix, I was so excited to see The Christmas Chronicles 2 coming to us!  See, every once in a while 2020 can give us something nice!  The Christmas Chronicles has been a fan favorite in our house since it's release in 2018.  In fact, it's so popular with my family that I have to admit we sometimes find ourselves watching it in July!  My boys loved the adventure of traveling on Christmas with Santa and the story of sibling love - which isn't always easy, but is certainly always there.  Kate and Teddy seem to be doing pretty well at the end of The Christmas Chronicles, so what could possibly change in the 2 years that have passed?

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Movie Review

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Image from Netflix

Fast forward 2 years and we find Kate, Teddy, and their mom celebrating Christmas in. . .Mexico?!?  And they're not alone as their mom has started dating and they are vacationing with her new boyfriend and his young son, Jack. Kate (Darby Camp) is again a shining star, but this time as a cynical teenager who is having a hard time adjusting to the new "family" dynamic that is being created.  Deciding it's better to just run away from it all, Kate attempts to catch a plane back home, but ends up catching a whole other type of "flight" indeed - and with a surprise companion.  Before you know it, Kate and Jack (Jahzir Bruno) are found freezing in the North Pole by none other than Santa himself!  Santa (Kurt Russell) and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn) take the kids in and show them around their home.  But things aren't as quiet as they may appear.  Kate and Jack didn't end up in the North Pole by accident.  There's an old friend of Santa's, Belsnickel, who is seeking his revenge and he is pretty determined to travel time and distance to get it.  Kate and Santa have teamed up again to save the North Pole and Christmas!  What follows is an adventure that will remind everyone about the importance of family, love, and believing in yourself and others.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Image from Netflix

This movie is full of holiday magic and fans of the first The Christmas Chronicles will be happy to know that this movie not only lives up to expectations, but exceeds them in the minds of my family!  Director Chris Columbus brings to life a world of where anything seems possible as Santa explains the magic behind the North Pole, the history of the elves, and introduces Kate to someone very special.  Santa's village is both beautiful and whimsical.  Between the elves, the buildings, and the costuming it's easy for viewers to become immersed in the world created and children to feel the magic of Christmas radiate through the television screen.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - Image from Netflix

It's no surprise to find heart and laughter in the film. . .and of course another rockin' Santa musical number!  Young stars Darby Camp and Jahzir Bruno (we just saw him in The Witches as well!) are a delightful presence in the film and carry their starring roles like seasoned veterans.  I was thrilled to see more of Goldie Hawn in this movie.  Watching Hawn bring Mrs. Claus to life as the caretaker of the North Pole and providing mothering wisdom to young children and elves feels incredibly natural.  Then there's Kurt Russell reprising his role as Santa Claus.  His portrayal in these movies adds a different layer to the role - a cooler, hipper Santa then we sometimes see on screen.  I just love it!  Lastly, I have to give a shout out to one of my favorites - Kimberly Williams-Paisley.  I grew up loving the Father of the Bride movies (speaking of which - did you see Father of the Bride Part 3ish?) and wanting to be JUST like her.  Fast forward all these years and I still think she is awesome.  While her part in the movie is small - her smile, infectious laugh, and sunny disposition make her the perfect mom to Kate and Teddy!

I can't recommend this movie enough for families looking to add a little joy to their 2020 holiday season.  Believe in magic.  Believe in family.  Believe in each other.  The Christmas Chronicles 2 is available to stream on Netflix starting November 23!

Want more holiday family magic from Netflix?  Check out my review of Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey!

About The Christmas Chronicles 2 (From Netflix)

It’s been two years since siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) saved Christmas, and a lot has changed. Kate, now a cynical teenager, is reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son Jack (Jahzir Bruno). Unwilling to accept this new version of her family, Kate decides to run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell). Written and directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter) and co-starring Goldie Hawn, THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 is an action-packed adventure for the whole family that’s full of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.