Christmas Chronicles 2 (Netflix)
Starring Kurt Russell as Santa,Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus
Directed by Chris Columbus
Rating: **
Come yuletide, and American cinema releases a torrent of over-sweetened Christmassy cine-pudding with so much cheer to spread, the season feels like baking-bread with heavy cheese spread, toppings extra mush. The last Christmas Chronicle film was barely tolerable for the inspired casting of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Mr & Mrs Santa Claus.
For those who came in late Russell and Hawn are a real-life couple. They’ve been together for over 40 years. To bring them together again is being seen as a bit of a casting coup specially when they are playing the most beloved couple in the world , after Barrack and Michelle Obama of course.
As Santa and his Missus, Kurt and Goldie try hard to recreate the magic of the first Christmas Chronicle film which came two years ago. But the film’s tender heart clearly beats for the kids.Darby Camp as Kaitie and Jahzir Bruno as Jack clearly(one white the black, just to hammer in the Christmas spirit of one-ness) steal the show from Mr & Mrs Klaus. The two kids are wide-eyed and magic-struck going through a series of fairytale experiences shot on sets and locations that jump at you from those postcards that you used to send to your loved ones while holidaying in Kashmir or the Alps, depending on your budget.
Chrismas Chronicle 2 seems to have spent more on production values that Part 1. The food, the warmth and the message are all amped . Often the visuals come close to being fairytale-porn with tables laden with colourful cookies and pastries being served by Mr & Mrs Klaus to kids who are in for a lip-smacking gobsmacked treat.
Come to think of it, Christmas Chronicles 2 is not for grownups at all specially not those who don’t believe in Santa. Let the kids watch this one. Let them be.
