SMALLS TRAVELS TO THE NORTH POLE WITH THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2

In The Christmas Chronicles 2, The North Pole finds itself under attack when ex-elf Belsnickel steals the sliver of The Bethlehem Star that powers the place (the inclusion of the star is a cool, appreciated touch). Only Kate and newcomer Jack can help Santa and Mrs. Claus protect The North Pole and save Christmas.

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn return as Santa and Mrs. Claus and both are perfection (and naturally Kurt Russell gets another musical number, this time duet-ing with Darlene Love) . They both put thier unique, cool spins on the classic characters and are both iconic in their own right. Darby Camp (as Kate Pierce, who starts the film as a brat, but naturally softens up once the North Pole rears it's head) and Judah Lewis (in what is essentially a cameo as Teddy Pierce) return as well, and both are pretty good.

Julian Dennison (from Hunt For The Wilderpeople and Deadpool 2) plays the role of naughty elf turned human brat Belsnickel and is enjoyable in the role. Jahzir Bruno also makes quite an impression as Jack, the potential step-brother to Kate and Teddy (his father is Bob, as played by Tyrese Gibson, the love interest for Kate and Teddy's mom). Jack starts the film a pretty annoying, but surprisingly ends up being integral to the defense of The North Pole.

Chris Columbus takes over directing duties (and co-writes with Matt Lieberman), and it shows as this sequel is significantly better than the first outing. The North Pole and Santa's village is well-designed and feels magical and wondrous enough for young ones to gawk over. This sequel also isn't afraid to explore the origins of Santa and adds some extra lore to the North Pole and the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Claus (for example: Did you know Dasher is a female?).

In the end, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say that Christmas Chronicles 2 is a new classic, but families and young ones are guaranteed to eat it up. It's got a good deal of warmth, heart, magic, fun, and nice messages. Christmas Chronicles 2 makes for a perfectly fine, enjoyable, fun, and memorable distraction during what has been a rough year. Check it out!

3 STARS