The Christmas Chronicles 2

Synopsis: Teenager Kate Pierce is reunited with Santa Claus when a troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas -- forever.

Movie review:

“The Christmas Chronicles 2” was directed by Chris Columbus and is the sequel to the original in 2018. The second one is not as good as the first, but it is still a fun holiday movie that you and your family can enjoy watching. Kurt Russell is the heart of this movie and his performance as Santa Clause is delightful and full of non-stop energy. Russell appears to be having a blast playing Santa. His character is witty and charming, and you want to see him in every scene. Goldie Hawn plays Mrs. Clause and she and Russell have great chemistry on and off the screen. They are the perfect Mr. and Mrs. Clause and they are magical together. Kate Pierce returns from the first film; now a teenager. She is played by Darby Camp the Christmas grinch who eventually learns some important life lessons. New-comer Jahzir Bruno plays Jack (Kate’s mother’s boyfriend’s son) and he brought some much needed humor to the movie. Julian Dennison plays the villain Belsnickel a former elf turned evil. I thought this character was a bit weak and his plan to ruin Christmas was silly and unoriginal -- I have seen this plot a billion times before. Judah Lewis plays Teddy Kate’s older brother and his storyline was completely wasted. I thought more could have been done with his character. I was disappointed in the CGI throughout the film. It reminded me of a cartoon especially the reindeer scenes. But I did enjoy the actions scenes. Chris Columbus knows how make you feel like a kid again. This movie is a perfect blend of humor, adventure, action with entertaining performances from Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. “The Christmas Chronicles 2” is an enjoyable Christmas movie for all ages. I am giving “The Christmas Chronicles 2” a 3 out of 5 stars.

Director: Chris Columbus

Cast: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Julian Dennison, Jahzir Bruno, Darlene Love, Tyrese Gibson, Sunny Suljic with Judah Lewis and Kimberly Williams- Paisley

Runtime: 112 minutes