The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020) is the sequel to the popular 2018 holiday film The Christmas Chronicles. Directed by Chris Columbus, who is known for his work on family classics like Home Alone and _Mrs. Doubtfire, the film continues the magical holiday adventures of siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy (Judah Lewis), this time embarking on a new mission with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell).
The story picks up two years after the events of the first film, with Kate now a teenager, still struggling with the loss of her father. Her mother, Claire (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), has started a new relationship, and Kate is reluctant to accept the changes. When she is sent to spend Christmas with her mom in the Caribbean, Kate ends up getting involved in another holiday adventure after running away to find Santa Claus. Once again, Kate is swept into a wild Christmas journey when a mischievous elf named Belsnickel (Julian Dennison) causes chaos by attempting to ruin Christmas. Belsnickel has a personal vendetta against Santa and plans to destroy the holiday spirit by stealing the magic that powers Santa’s sleigh.
Kate teams up with Santa and her reluctant stepbrother, Jack (Jahzir Bruno), to save Christmas from Belsnickel’s villainous plan. The trio must navigate a series of magical obstacles, from time-bending sleigh rides to confrontations in the North Pole. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about family, forgiveness, and the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas.
The film brings back Kurt Russell in his role as Santa Claus, and he is again a highlight. His portrayal of Santa is charming, with a cool, rock-and-roll twist that brings a fresh, fun energy to the character. Russell’s charisma is a big draw for the movie, as he perfectly captures the jolly, yet mischievous spirit of Santa. Goldie Hawn also reprises her role as Mrs. Claus, and her appearance in the sequel adds to the film’s heartwarming appeal.
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two has a strong focus on family dynamics, with Kate’s emotional journey being central to the story. As she deals with her feelings about her father’s death and her changing family, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of keeping the holiday spirit alive. It balances these heartfelt moments with plenty of magical action, humor, and holiday cheer.
The visual effects are spectacular, with grand set pieces that capture the wonder and whimsy of the North Pole, Santa’s workshop, and the high-flying adventures on Santa’s sleigh. The action sequences are thrilling, including a chase through a snowy forest and a heart-pounding race to save Christmas. The film doesn’t shy away from the fantasy elements of the holiday season, offering plenty of fun and magic to entertain viewers of all ages.
While The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two may follow familiar holiday film tropes, its charm lies in the performances, the holiday magic, and the way it captures the spirit of Christmas. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a light-hearted and enjoyable holiday adventure for families to watch together.
