User reviews

Kurt Russell brings total coolness to the magic of Santa. Without Russell's personality, it wouldn't feel original but his presence brings the story to life. Some moments feel a little twee admittedly but a lovely tale with just the right amount of wit and character from the young actors.

We watched this as we let out thanksgiving meal settle. It was the perfect choice for the kids (age range 5-12) and the parents. The acting was fine and the jokes were funny. I even got a little choked up at times when they talked about their recently deceased dad. All in all, a fine film. Probably not an instant classic, but good enough to watch and not feel like I wasted 1.5 hours of my life. I loved the new interpretation of elves as almost gremlin-like creatures.

Now, initially I had some aversion to sitting down and watching "The Christmas Chronicles" even though it was readily available on Netflix for me to watch. Why? Well, it is a Christmas movie, and they have an overwhelming tendency to be so sappy that even pine tress go "no, I ain't touching that sticky thing", and also because I didn't really think Kurt Russell would be suited for a Christmas movie.

My curiosity got the better of me and I decided to watch in on December 24th, you know, just to get into sappy Christmas mood. And let me tell you, I am really happy that I decided to watch "The Christmas Chronicles".

Why? Well, first of all, this movie was devoid of the usual Christmas sappy storyline where a girl falls in love and have to traverse hardships and always end up in the arms of the man that is out of reach on Christmas morning. This movie was all fun, all excitement and all Yule tide spirits. I actually will go as far as saying that "The Christmas Chronicles" actually have potential to become a Christmas classic - one of the type of Christmas movies that you watch year after year, up alongside "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".

"The Christmas Chronicles" is definitely a family movie, but it is also a movie that you can enjoy without the family around you, because it caters to a wide array of audience. There is something in the movie for everybody.

There is actually a great amount of fun, action and thrills throughout the course of the movie, and you don't feel that the movie ever loses its momentum or becomes slowed down and turning dull. I must admit that I was wholeheartedly entertained from start to end.

Now, let's venture on to the role of Santa Claus as portrayed by Kurt Russell. I grew up watching him in action movies, so I didn't really want to embrace him in a role such as this. But I was proven so wrong, because he did this so amazingly well. He was really a nice cast for the role, and he brought his own rugged charm and spirit to the Santa character, and I loved that. So my Christmas hat off for Mr. Russell in his performance in "The Christmas Chronicles".

The singing and dancing scene was something I initially felt weird about, but oh man that quickly caught on and grew on you. And I ended up loving that scene, because it is full of energy, it is a catchy song, and Kurt Russell delivers the song and dance so well.

All in all, "The Christmas Chronicles" is a movie that you owe to yourself and your family to sit down, either alone or together, and watch, because it is definitely a fun and wholehearted Christmas movie.

This movie definitely helped put some cheer on my day...

The Christmas Chronicles (2018) starts with a straightforward plot: two kids set out to catch Santa Claus on camera. Despite the simplicity and potential clichés in such an idea, the film manages to deliver an enjoyable and engaging Christmas experience with a smart approach and solid structure.

The film's storyline flows smoothly and keeps the audience engaged. Although the core of the plot is simple, the movie builds tension and excitement through a lively narrative. One of the highlights is Kurt Russell's portrayal of Santa Claus; he brings charisma and uniqueness to the role, presenting Santa as an energetic, confident, and memorable character, different from traditional portrayals of Santa in film.

Beyond Russell's strong performance, the film's production design, costumes, and soundtrack all enhance the Christmas ambiance, creating a vivid, magical atmosphere. The music and design elements add layers of enjoyment that contribute to the film's holiday spirit.

However, the movie does face some issues with logical inconsistencies and temporal mismatches. While The Christmas Chronicles is a fantasy, which allows for some suspension of disbelief, a few plot points could disrupt the story's rhythm, breaking immersion for the viewer. Though minor, these inconsistencies detract slightly from the film's overall impact.

Despite these minor flaws, The Christmas Chronicles remains a delightful, modern Christmas film, ideal for family viewing during the holiday season. With a unique Santa portrayal and a storyline full of festive adventure, it's highly recommended for holiday entertainment.

The Christmas chronicles 1 was awesome, but Christmas chronicles 2 was. Soooo full of adventures and laughs, warm Christmas scenes, Kurt Russell owned this movie, he was excellent, and Goldie played a great part to, I can,t think of anyone better to have played Santa than Kurk Russell, my grandkids want to watch the chronicles over and over, especially 2.they have even watched it when it wasn't Christmas time. I hope he knows how much the kids even the adults enjoy these movies, I know i do. I do hope in the future there's a chronicles 3, but it has to be better but just as good..

I'm not going to say that Christmas movies are the things I'm waiting for or that get me thrilled. But since it was Christmas I gave this one a shot and I didn't regret it. Based on it being a Christmas movie, with the usual feelgood cheesy moments, it's still an entertaining movie. Instead of watching Home Alone for the 100th time on Christmas we now have a movie that hopefully will put Home Alone in the closet forever. The Christmas Chronicles is an entertaining family movie perfect as a Christmas movie. Kurt Russell was perfect as Santa Clause. The special effects were not exaggerated but good.

Teddy has been naughty ever since the death of his father. His younger sister Kate is still a true believer in Santa Claus. When she discovers video evidence of Santa, she forces Teddy to help her film him on his gift giving tour. They do manage to capture Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) on video and stowaway on his sleight. That's when their adventure begins.

Kurt Russell delivers his version of an irreverent Santa Claus. I do like him and I do like the kids. There is real heart when heart is called for. The elves are a little weird. They would be better as more cuddly. The big misstep are the criminals and Teddy stealing a car. It's a little too dark. The bad guys have no reason to kidnap the kid anyways. I buy them stealing the bag but kidnapping is an unnecessary step too far. They should just punch his lights out and walk away with the bag. They can still do a lot of the same stuff except Teddy would be searching the streets for the bag. I like for some of the darker aspects to be pulled back like throwing the bag into the furnace. This is a nice light sentimental Christmas story.

My new favorite Christmas movie! I have lived to the perfect age, long enough to see Kurt Russell protray Santa and he is perhaps the best, most endearing, Santa I have seen in many a moon. Both my son and myself hope that Netflix will make this an annual event and perhaps a series of Santa movies with Mr. Russell!

Kurt Russell as Santa is the main highlight of this film.

Good movie for Christmas. The plot is simple nothing deep so don't expect any plot twists or such. The dialogue is fine a bit cheesy in some parts but it's for Christmas so it's a pass. There are plenty of movie/modern references which is fun. The ending is a nice touch.

The cringe.. well the CGI could be better.

Hit or miss.. the girl here is more mature than her brother. The brother is more like her underling.

Overall.. as I said it's a good movie if you just watch it with no deep expectations. There's not much drama or in-depth character development. But it is full of Christmas feel.

Excellent fun! Enough humour for kids and adults. Anyone not liking this is definitely on the naughty list!

Kurt Russell probably had more fun with this movie than anything else he has ever done.

Going to be a Christmas classic...you'll see.

The humor from Kurt Russel was quite effective and the kids did a nice job as well. Additionally, it was child friendly...till halfway through when we meet some crazy elves and monstrous criminals. The movie regains footing to typical holiday fare after this. Still worth a watch for Russel's version of Santa.

This was a truely great film, and Netflix outdid themselves. The story is well written, the jokes are funny, the elves are cute, and Kurt Russell as Santa Claus is an amazing fit. Mrs. Claus was the best surprise! Everyone in our family, from aged 3 to 65, enjoyed watching on Thanksgiving morning.

It's a well overdue proper Christmas movie that tickets all boxes to gives you that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling.

The story line is great with some very funny moments and leaves you in the mood for Christmas - Kurt Russell is brilliant as Santa and I'm now in love with Mrs Claus.

Snuggle up with the family and watch this its guaranteed to put you in the mood for Christmas.

Maybe kids would like this film, but I thought it was pretty bad. Kurt is the only one in the film I enjoyed watching. Everything else was very overacted and cheesy. The elves were weird and disturbing. The script was BAD. The storyline was unorganized. The film had all the quality of a made for TV movie, not a blockbuster. I'm honestly very confused by all the good reviews. That being said, it is worth watching Kurt as Santa. He makes a great one!

Seeing this title on the Netflix holiday movie menu, I shook my head, thinking "Oh brother, another syrupy Christmas movie featuring an all-brat cast. OK I'm bored enough." But when I saw the little girl doing a video letter to Santa and her big brother hitting her in the head with his sneaker, I laughed my rump off! Then. I knew this movie wasn't gonna be the usual sap and I was right. Yup, this holiday movie is far from the usual Hallmark/Lifetime junk that spews out every year. Even though it's a total fantasy flick, the people and their lives are realistically portrayed. The little girl doesn't just mumble cutesy words like we see all the time, she is actually very talented, believable, and likable. Her brother is no different. Kurt Russell is outstanding as a wise-cracking Santa, but they level out his character so he doesn't stray off too far from Yuletide traditions. A big plus there. Kurt could possible be the greatest actor to ever play the Jolly One! You can easily figure out this was influenced by "The Polar Express" and "Ernest Saves Christmas", but it definitely holds its own and effectively. Possibly, "The Christmas Chronicles" is better than either one. It's loaded with Christmas beauty and attractive special effects! I guarantee this movie will revive Christmas spirit in you, considering you are human. Just when I was losing my faith in new holiday movies, seeing this was like a breath of fresh Arctic air! Destined to become as treasured as "It's A Wonderful Life". The only complaints I have, and they are minor ones, is the overuse of pop-culture words like "cool" and a wee bit of political correction. But, all the positives dwarf out these nicely. So, if you are desperately looking to add a new Christmas movie to your favorites, make room for "The Christmas Chronicles", I sure will. It does appear a sequel is already in the works, and I hope it's a worthy one, because this will be a tough act to follow. But since Netflix producers appear to possess something rare these days called talent, they may just hit bulls-eye again. I wouldn't be surprised if a number of sequels are released, for joy!

Make no mistake, this movie is utter hog wash. From the mis cast child actors to the creepy elves. Then theres the bludgeoning "true meaning of christmas" message it tries to drill home at every turn. But, and it's a big but, it has an ace up it's sleeve. Kurt Russell sells this like it's the last job he'll ever have (which isn't beyond the realms of possibility) oozing chisled Hollywood charisma out of every pore. What's even more impressive is the fact that he doesn't just take the pay cheque and dial in a performance, he smashes his Santa out of the park and looks like he's enjoying every second of it. Worth seeing for him alone.

A brother and sister attempt to prove the existence of Santa.

This is a reasonably good movie that is great for children and families to watch together, particularly during the holiday season.

The plot feels quite clichéd and predictable in some scenes, but the performances elevate material significantly. Typical exchanges of family melodrama are done convincingly by the likes of Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, and in particular Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Also, you cannot fault it's themes of Christmas spirit and how people should treat each other.

It is Kurt Russell though who brings the story to life with a perfect and energetic performance as Santa. If I ever met the real Santa, I would want him to be like this. The best moments are Santa's interactions with all other characters.

There are certain aspects I found dragged a bit, such as the scenes involving antagonistic characters and the elves, but these complaints are minor.

The general spectacle is very good, especially the ideas and execution behind the scenes involving Santa's slay, related technology and Christmas magic that powers his job.

Parts of the show were unappealing but Kurt's portrayal of Santa elevated it above the norm. Special effects were great. Look forward to this becoming a regular Christmas repeat.

To be honest , I'm not that much into this kind of movies, but ! ...in my opinion is a great movie to watch with your family ! , specially if you have kids

Heartwarming and magical, with car chases and a great blues performance. Kurt Russell is fantastic, and most of the other actors are good as well. Great film to watch with your family!

I wasn't sure about this but was curious from the trailer. I have to say I think this was one of the best I have seen in quite a while now. It definitely beats anything at the theaters and we were able to enjoy it in our home. I am thankful for Netflix putting together such a wonderful movie.

What a sweet movie ! Going to become a Christmas classic for sure ! Right up there with other modern day classics like elf! Speaking of elf's the elves in this movie are also adorable and I want one! Kurt Russell is the coolest Santa ever ! Loved this movie !

Has everything a classic should have, but with a modern twist.

The storyline is cliched, the lines are cheesy, and it's a film which generally tries a bit too hard to earn the title of family-film. Is this a bad thing? No, not at all, this film fits the bill perfectly as a 'feel good' Christmas film.