As a seasoned gamer and movie buff, I have to say that watching “That Christmas” with my family was nothing short of a delightful adventure. Having grown up watching Richard Curtis’ movies, it was heartwarming to see my kids connect with the characters and storyline in a similar way.
From my perspective, “Love Actually” stands among the greatest Christmas films ever produced. This delightful romantic comedy, penned and directed by Richard Curtis, has become a tradition in our household during the holiday season (following “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation“). However, we haven’t introduced it to our three children yet. I believe they may not be ready for its mature themes just yet, but the upcoming Netflix release “That Christmas” provides a suitable alternative in their age-appropriate movie lineup for 2024.
Recently, I cozied up to watch an enchanting, humorous, and heartfelt Netflix Christmas film. This production, penned by Curtis and masterfully directed by Simon Otto, who is known for “How to Train Your Dragon”, was a massive hit for our entire family. It was not only entertaining but also provided an excellent opportunity for me to share the captivating world of one of my beloved screenwriters and storytellers with my children.
In my opinion, a fantastic movie available on Netflix might prove useful for parents dealing with similar circumstances. Here’s why…
I’ve Long Wanted To Introduce My Kids To Love Actually But Didn’t Have A Way In
I’ve been thinking about showing my children the film “Love Actually” for a while now, but haven’t found the right opportunity yet. The 2003 romantic comedy has multiple intertwined love stories, which makes it unique in the genre, but some parts might be too mature or complex for them to fully understand or appreciate.
As a gamer, I’ve been hesitant to introduce my friends to the charm of Richard Curtis, using school pageant drumming clips as bait but never fully committing. However, with the captivating adaptation of “That Christmas“, I’ve found the perfect entry point. This heartwarming and laugh-out-loud book-to-screen transformation of a children’s novel he penned has been an excellent icebreaker.
At Times, That Christmas Feels Like A Spiritual Successor To Love Actually (But With Santa)
It’s clear that both “Love Actually” and “That Christmas” were penned by the same author, so it’s understandable that there will be some shared elements. However, the 2024 Netflix original seems to echo the spirit of the beloved holiday romance movie more than any other work in the author’s portfolio. Despite being an animated children’s film with Brian Cox portraying Santa Claus instead of a romantic comedy about unfulfilled love, it appears as though they belong to the same realm and share similar atmospheres.
Despite the fact that some children might view it as an outdated and dull Christmas movie, my stance on using Love Actually as a holiday tradition remains firm. The film’s recurring themes of love, friendship, family, and the essence of the season, along with its unique Christmas pageant that includes food in the nativity scene, reminded me of several memorable moments from the movie.
The Family-Friendly Christmas Movie Doesn’t Shy Away From Some Heavy Topics
Regarding the themes, That Christmas doesn’t mince words when it comes to tackling some weighty subjects. During the film, we encounter characters grappling with the loss of long-lost loved ones, children trying to comprehend their parents’ divorce, and the impact of solitude during the holiday season. Engaging with these more serious issues might lead to questions from your kids or conversations you hadn’t anticipated after watching a lighthearted family comedy, but it’s actually an excellent opportunity for initiating those important discussions.
I don’t want to criticize other children’s holiday movies, but I must say that Netflix’s “That Christmas” strikes a remarkable balance between introducing difficult realities and shielding kids from them. In fact, after watching it, I believe my kids are more equipped to handle the mature themes found in films like “Love Actually,” “About Time,” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” which are all by Richard Curtis and deal with love, loss, and fresh starts. Now, I’m not suggesting this will happen any time soon, but I do plan on keeping an eye on their readiness for such material in the future.
My Daughter Fell In Love With Richard Curtis’ Characters And Writing, Which Is Great
My little girl really enjoyed “That Christmas” movie so much that she re-watched it the day after, which is something I haven’t seen her do for quite a while. After her second viewing, we had a chat about the film and I asked her why she found it so appealing. It turned out that she was drawn to the characters. A significant portion of her admiration went towards Sam and Charlie Beccles, the twins who are part of one of the movie’s funniest and most charming subplots, and Danny Williams, the newcomer in town whose character plays a crucial role throughout the storyline.
As a devoted fan, I found Curtis’ tale truly heartwarming, bringing immense joy to my heart as well. Perhaps, at an appropriate time, I’ll introduce this story to my daughter along with other enchanting Curtis productions. Yet, I must confess, I’m hesitant about sharing the tear-jerking scene in About Time, where I once wept uncontrollably on the couch – a spectacle I’d rather spare her eyes for now.
And I Can’t Not Talk About That Christmas’ Wonderful Needle Drops
Just like I’ve come to expect from Curtis’ films, Love Actually is packed with memorable song placements that always make me smile. And it seems that That Christmas, the Netflix animated movie, follows suit, boasting an excellent soundtrack featuring hits like the Spice Girls’ “Wannabee” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree”, as well as a brand new track by Ed Sheeran tailored just for this film.
During our viewing of “That Christmas“, the delightful musical sequences and side-splitting tunes by the voice actors added to the joy we all felt, contributing to the overall merriment in multiple ways. In essence, these melodies only served to make the entire experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Spending last Christmas with my family, watching “That Christmas,” was undeniably one of the best movie nights this year. It wasn’t only because it gave me an opportunity to familiarize my children with Richard Curtis’s cinematic world. If you haven’t done so yet, I recommend catching this holiday film as a Netflix subscriber.
Stream That Christmas on Netflix.
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2024-12-16 13:07