The Christmas Chronicles

TV-PG

2018

1 hr. 44 min.

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

Fantasy

Adventure

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List

67%

61 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it's too late.

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Critics Consensus

Viewers seeking a fresh holiday viewing option -- or those simply in the mood for Santa Kurt Russell -- should find The Christmas Chronicles well worth a yuletide stream.

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Idan Charles L

An fine Christmas movie for da kids

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/17/24

Full Review

Forged S

Next up on my list, The Christmas Chronicles. Whew, okay... I know these are supposed to be "quick reviews, " but, man, do I have a lot to say about this movie. My favorite part of any movie or show growing up was the mystery, magic and intrigue I felt experiencing it for the first time. Magic I haven't felt in a long time. Thankfully, this movie brings it in spades. It's Santa's ever-positive attitude and his ability to know exactly what to say to whomever he encounters that lends itself so perfectly to the Santa Claus mythos and lore. Plus, Kurt Russell's take as Santa is so pitch perfect here, I'm not even sure if I can think of a better portrayal. But any lead's only as good as their supporting cast, so how'd they do? Perfect. Honestly, they carried the movie for me and I felt emotionally invested in their story from the beginning. However, this movie isn't perfect. There were a few moments that felt so out of place, it took me out of the movie entirely. For example, there was a song number by Russell's Claus. While, I understand why the scene exists and it definitely felt like a Hocus Pocus call back, in ernest, I feel the same message could've been given in a different, maybe better, but equally intriguing way. There was also a scene involving a group of monsters/gangsters that felt so stereotypical and cliché I had to check out for a sec, or at least until the scene ended. Again, I understand the message (an homage to A Christmas Carol and the Ghost of Christmas' yet to come) but it has been done better in so many other movies. Besides that, this movie was heartwarming and filled with the GENUINE Christmas spirit. I highly recommend if you're looking for something a little more wholesome to watch with the family.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

Jesse C

ok so this is kind of realistic but kind of corny. it had a good message and the plot was good but my one problem is how he said he couldnt use magic without his hat but then he can use magic without it. its also kind of childish and i do get that its a kids movie so it cant really do that but like really nobody could start speaking elf after only spending 3-4 hours with them

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Audience Member

The Christmas Chronicles is an enjoyable enough Christmas film, particularly for a younger audience, and one of the better recent Christmas movies I've seen, with a wonderful performance from Kurt Russell, but it ended up being quite boring for me, as the other characters and the plot weren't very compelling, though it did supply a couple comedic bits.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

Full Review

Joe W

this movie has a little girl who risks her life to jump on a sleigh. She will not shut up. I hate her. The brother's acting seemed genuine but then it slowly devolved into his acting becoming fake which the blandest lines. SANTA MAKES THIS MOVIE SO MUCH BETTER. The elves just eh.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Tim S

Great family movie. Kurt Russell is amazing in the role.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

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Clay Kaytis

Director

Kurt Russell

Santa Claus

Darby Camp

Kate Pierce

Judah Lewis

Teddy Pierce

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Claire Pierce

Oliver Hudson

Doug Pierce

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The Christmas Chronicles: Movie Clip - Kate and Teddy Catch Santa

2:04

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The Christmas Chronicles: Trailer 1

2:34

The Christmas Chronicles: Teaser Trailer 1

1:38

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Derek Smith

Slant Magazine

In the end, the film succumbs to the tropes and emotional contrivances of the family melodrama at its core, ending up as a serviceable yet mostly forgettable addition to the already overstuffed genre of holiday-themed films.

Rated: 2/4

Nov 5, 2019

Full Review

Charles Bramesco

AV Club

The film doesn't know how to get out of its own way and foreground what's working, namely the dynamo of screen presence placed more prominently in the advertising than the feature itself.

Rated: C+

Nov 5, 2019

Full Review

Melanie McFarland

Salon.com

The film's no great shakes, but Russell's star power in "The Christmas Chronicles" is a gift anyone should be happy to claim.

Dec 18, 2018

Full Review

Dallas King

Flick Feast

With a plot as old as the jokes you find in a Christmas cracker... The Christmas Chronicles, would find itself firmly on the naughty list.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 10, 2022

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Russell plays Santa with absolute integrity, which in this context means he plays Santa as Kurt Russell playing Santa, which is the only reason most people of legal age would want to watch this.

Rated: C

Aug 24, 2022

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

A fun, spry holiday movie that should fit nicely onto your Christmastime watchlist.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 19, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it's too late.

Director: Clay Kaytis
Executive Producer: Bill Andrew, Monica Lago-Kaytis, Lyn Lucibello, Robyn Meisinger, Michelle Miller, Tracy K. Price
Screenwriter: Matt Lieberman
Production Co: Cinesite Animation, 1492 Pictures, Ocean Blue Entertainment, Madhouse Entertainment
Rating: TV-PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2018

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