Today’s quick review: The Christmas Chronicles. Ten-year-old Kate Pierce (Darby Camp) and her surly older brother Teddy (Judah Lewis) are left alone on Christmas Eve. The two siblings stay up late to catch Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) in the act and even manage to hitch a ride in his sleigh. But when Kate startles Santa and causes him to crash his sleigh in Chicago, it’s up to the Pierce siblings to help Santa round up his reindeer and save Christmas.
The Christmas Chronicles is a Christmas adventure about a brother and sister who have to help Santa set his sleigh to rights before Christmas cheer falls to crisis levels. The Christmas Chronicles is a family-friendly romp with a cute premise, a fair dose of excitement, and a likable take on Santa Claus. The movie sticks to familiar themes of hope, belief, and family but executes them well, resulting in a quintessential family Christmas film.
The Christmas Chronicles is a balanced movie that has just what it needs. The hunt for Santa’s bag and reindeer gives the movie its share of action, enough to keep the movie moving crisply along. The emotional heart of the movie comes from the relationship between Kate and her older brother, who’s become rebellious and withdrawn since the death of their father. The Christmas Chronicles doesn’t innovate with its story, but it handles it well.
As for the cast, Kurt Russell steals the show as Santa Claus. His take on Saint Nick is lively and energetic, injecting the classic character with attitude without changing him completely. For her part, Darby Camp makes for a plucky, optimistic heroine as Kate. Judah Lewis isn’t a standout as Teddy, but he holds his own. The cast holds few real surprises—everyone stays in the bounds of a kids’ film—but there are no major weaknesses either.
Those looking to vary up their holiday viewing should give The Christmas Chronicles a try. It’s not quite original enough to stand with the Christmas classics, but it delivers what it promises, shows plenty of creativity, and makes for a fun, light watch that fans of family movies are sure to enjoy. For a similar take on Santa Claus and his toolkit, try The Santa Clause. For a kid-focused holiday classic with some action, try Home Alone.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid execution and a healthy sense of adventure.