REVIEW: Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are a Joy in The Christmas Chronicles 2
Two years ago, Netflix released a new Holiday movie, The Christmas Chronicles, and not only did it become an immediate hit for the streaming platform, but for families all over the world as well. Now, Netflix is releasing a follow-up to the hit, The Christmas Chronicles 2, and Kurt Russell is back as Santa Claus, but he is not alone.
In this new adventure, Kate (Darby Camp) returns to the North Pole, but this time it’s not her brother, Teddy (Judah Lewis), along for the ride, but phobia-ridden Jack (Jazhir Bruno), the son of Kate’s mom’s (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) and new boyfriend, Bob (Tyrese Gibson). It is in the North Pole where the foursome realize that Kate and Jack were not sent to the North Pole because of Kate’s wish, but because of The Belsnickel’s (Julian Dennison) plan to destroy the Clauses and the Christmas Village. You see, The Belsnickel needed a true believer, Kate, to enact his awful plan, which includes stealing the Star of Bethlehem. It is now up to the Clauses, Kate, and Jack to retrieve the Star and save Christmas before it is too late.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 is ridiculous in the best way possible. Filled with heart warming moments, fun performances and an interesting musical performance, the movie can’t help but fill you with the Holiday spirit. And, although Teddy is not featured in this movie as much as he was in the first movie, Kate has no problem stepping up to the plate. The sequel also delves more into Santa’s roots and how Saint Nicholas became Santa Clause, which added a nice new layer to the story.
Russell and Goldie Hawn are fantastic as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Russell made quite the name for himself as the Big Man in the first movie and has no problem falling back into character for the second. Hawn’s Mrs. Claus is a welcome addition to the movie as is her performance. You can tell by Russell and Hawn’s performances just how much fun they had performing alongside one another in this movie. Bruno is a newcomer to the series, but he was one of my favorite parts. He played so well alongside the veterans, you would have thought he had been in the first movie with everyone else.
The second movie in the Christmas Chronicles story is just as delightfully cheesy as the first. Although it does feel to long at some points, family and friends will love sitting down and watching this movie together this Holiday season. To add even more fun to the experience, I suggest watching it with a piping cup of hot cocoa to make sure you make the holiday viewing that much better.
Grade: A-