Looking for A Christmas Movie?

Red One

It appeared to be a fun movie, and it was in many ways. The plot was simple. Santa Claus is kidnapped and has to be found so he can make his famous ride. And there isn’t much time.

But this isn’t the tradition we know as Santa Claus. This is a more slender Santa in a high-tech world and that includes his sleigh, though it is still driven by the reindeer. Santa’s bodyguard teams up with a less-than-moral tracker who actually had a part in the kidnapping. (He also steals suckers from babies.)

 I rather liked the “new” version of Santa and the North Pole. It fits well on top of the Santa Claus tradition without too much of a jar. The story brings in a Santa backstory of a brother who turns out to be a rather vicious monster of legend. The backstory ties into the present as the team seeking to find and save Santa refuses to quit—despite having to fight all sorts of men and monsters—some of whom are quite violent. Nevertheless, the story is well written.

 I do think I know why the movie didn’t gather in the big bucks hoped for. It has to do partly with why I was disappointed in the movie. This could have been a fun movie for the whole family to attend together during the holidays. Instead, those in charge decided to make a movie, not for families, but for adults.

There were suggestive comments and situations, and barely-there bikinis. Some monsters and violence might be too much for the younger set. What bothered me the most was the language. There was absolutely no reason to use obscenity or profanity. It was all gratuitous, every bit of it. While I enjoyed the basic plot, it won’t become a tradition. I have no desire to see this again,

 Too bad, because the movie had a positive theme: actions have consequences. They have consequences at the box office, too.

 

 The best Christmas Pageant Ever

Early November, Keith and I spent a weekend in Papillion with my daughter, son-in-law and our two youngest grandchildren, to celebrate Ezekiel’s 6th birthday. On Saturday we went to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

When the usual head of the church Christmas pageant has an accident, young Beth’s Mom steps in, despite the attitudes and comments from other women who are used to running things. She figures she can pull it together, despite the discouraging remarks. She doesn’t figure on the six unruly Herman children who decided to join the cast.

 Beth is horrified her mom agrees. But what can she do? Everyone is terrified of the Hermans who run rampant over everyone—including adults. These children steal, intimidate, smoke and worse. Still Beth’s mom sees something in the children. She also has a heart for what the Christmas story is all about. As the practices continue, Beth and her brother begin to see changes.

 Just as it appears everything will work out, disaster hits. Will the pageant turn out to be the biggest disaster ever or will it, after all, become the best one ever?

 Definitely a family film. The love message of the Christmas story is played out in practical ways, changing people’s lives. The truth of Jesus’ birth is beautifully told. The characters were believable in their parts.

This movie had humor, sentiment and eternal truth that each of us is worthy of respect and love. It was very worth our time. It is a movie worth watching every Christmas to remind each of us what Christmas is truly about.

+++++++++++++

Though both movies have something to offer, I won’t forget The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I wish Red One had been written in a way to also leave a similar positive impression behind.

 ++++++++++++++

Red One: https://kids-in-mind.com/r/red-one-parents-guide-movie-review-rating.htm

The best Christmas Pageant Ever: https://kids-in-mind.com/b/best-christmas-pageant-ever-parents-guide-movie-review-rating.htm

© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published Kearney Hub 12/26/2024
Fell free to share

 

Next
Next

Christmas Comes