‘That splendid fellow called Santa!’ once again makes a return, with funny cameos and full-time narration in That Christmas. A movie, that is beautifully animated to fuel life in a story based on Children’s book called That Christmas and Other Stories. Since its Netflix release on November 29, 2024, there have been mixed reactions. As someone who lives for Christmas movies, I had to find out if it was naughty or nice. Here’s my That Christmas review.
That Christmas is a Delight but Not for Everyone
Honestly, I understand where mixed reviews of That Christmas are coming from. The movie shows great potential, no doubt about that. The animation quality is stunning, including the premises, the vibrant community, etc. But then comes the movie’s attempt to juggle too much, a charming Christmas tale trying to moonlight as a cause-driven statement. It’s a bold idea, but one that doesn’t land well with everyone.
As for the jokes, some are funny enough to tickle your bones, others fall flat. Even though the plot is a little dull, there’s not much happening, except the usual shy-boy-meets-introverted-girl love story, mixed with the dilemma of twins, and a classic lonely grump with a backstory.
If you’re in the mood for a simple holiday flick, it works. You can ignore negative reviews of That Christmas, and enjoy the decent flick. But if you’re hoping for a new Christmas classic, temper your expectations.
For kids, on the other hand, That Christmas could be a great title to keep them busy. Especially if they’re bored of the usual ones you keep replaying since Elf was released. It’s a perfect babysitter for a cold winter evening.
Brian Cox as Santa Nails it 🎅
The best addition to the movie is Brian Cox’s voice for Santa. He gives Santa a charm that’s equal parts wise mentor and mischievous holiday cheerleader. Santa’s friend in this one is Dasher, played by Guz Khan. Forgive me for saying this, but the duo, with a shorter screen time, does a much better job of making the audience laugh than other characters.
Bill Nighy’s talent was also used way less in the movie. He is Lighthouse Bill, whose collective screen time is probably less than 5 minutes. A tiny beacon in a vast sea of missed potential. All and all, lots of great potential faded due to a mediocre storyline.
The film was created for screens by Simon Otto, while Peter Souter (Married Single Other, 10 Minute Tales, and Ebony McQueen), Andrew Dawson (Red Riding Hood: After Ever After, Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out), and Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and About Time) co-wrote the movie.
That Christmas Failed to be This Year’s Christmas Miracle
Well, to me, That Christmas isn’t something I will revisit. But I will still recommend it to kids at my home. Plenty of Critics’ reviews for That Christmas share the same opinion as well, keeping the movie at 6.8/10 on IMDB and 58% on Rotten Tomatoes while I am writing this review.
But again, you can tune in to the movie for a Christmas special movie season. It’s still a fun one-time watch.
And before you go, let me leave you with this: Every holiday movie has its audience, so why not give That Christmas a chance? And while you’re at it, subscribe to CineCinnati, I will make sure your next Christmas movie pick is worth a spot on Santa’s nice list.
