The Christmas Chronicles 2 on Netflix: A Parent Movie Review

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are back as Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Christmas Chronicles 2, which is available to stream on Netflix beginning November 25, 2020.  Directed by Chris Columbus, it’s a fantasy movie about believing in Santa and the true meaning of Christmas.  Is it appropriate for younger kids, though?  I’m answering this question and more in my spoiler free parent movie review.  With a PG rating that includes mild action and violence, here’s what parents need to know about The Christmas Chronicles 2 on Netflix. 

The Christmas Chronicles 2:  What Parents Need to Know 

The Christmas Chronicles 2 is the much anticipated sequel to The Christmas Chronicles, which was originally released in 2018.  My family loved the first movie, so we’ve been looking forward to seeing the second installment.  I was worried that the movie might lose its holiday magic, as is typical with other sequels.  No need to worry, though!  The movie is a delightful film for the whole family to watch together.  In this sequel, an elf called Belsnickel is turned into a human due to a curse.  He tries to get revenge against the Clauses by tricking Kate (played by Darby Camp), one of the main characters in the first movie.  Here’s what parents need to know about the sequel.

It’s Rated PG

The movie is rated PG so parental guidance is suggested.  There wasn’t any noticeable profanity and there’s only once scene which involves an innocent kiss between Santa and Mrs. Claus.  However, because there are plenty of action scenes, there are moments of peril.  One character is injured and there are some scenes that depict characters acting violently.  There’s also a giant cat that creates havoc.  Nevertheless, while some scenes can be scary, they often end up cartoonish.  For example, one of the characters fights some of his enemies with a “nerf gun.”  As for the character that is injured, the attack that leads to the injury occurs off-camera and no blood or gore is shown.  

Do you have to see The Christmas Chronicles 1 to understand The Christmas Chronicles 2?

No, although like most sequels, it’s better to watch the first movie before watching the sequel. If you or your family haven’t seen the first movie yet, you can make it a double feature 🙂  

Overall Thoughts

I’m glad that Netflix is consistently releasing great holiday movies for the entire family to watch together, like Jingle Jangle.  2020 has been a difficult year and we could all use some joy and holiday magic right now.  Not only does The Christmas Chronicles 2 deliver, but you’ll be singing Christmas carols as the end credits roll. Plus, there’s plenty of action to keep younger kids engaged in the storyline.  

About The Christmas Chronicles 2

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.