The Christmas Chronicles (Exclusive Series) (Netflix)

Initial release/streaming date: November 22, 2018

Studios: Netflix/1492 Pictures

Plot: Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it's too late.

Cast

Kurt Russell - Santa Claus

Oliver Hudson - Doug

Kimberly Williams-Paisley - Claire

Judah Lewis - Teddy

Darby Camp - Kate

Vella Lovell - Wendy

Jameson Kraemer - Freddy

Solla Park - Min-Ju

Seth Mohan - Vijay

Kayla Lakhani - Beena

Glen McDonald - Larry

Danielle Bourgen - Sheila

Tony Nappo - Charlie

Martin Roach - Officer Poueda

Lamore Mooris - Officer Jameson

Writer: Matt Lieberman (Rumble; Free Guy)

Director: Clay Kaytis (A Christmas Story Christmas; The Angry Birds Movie)

Rated PG for mild action/violence and brief language (104 minutes)

The Netflix Original holiday movie 'The Christmas Chronicles' is a fun little holiday flick that is absolutely perfect for the entire family!

Throughout the movie, there are several fun moments and some that will really make you laugh. There are also a few segments that can be really emotional. Especially when it has to do with the kids recently deceased father. When you see that things for the kids and their mom have changed after their dad's death (and how much he enjoyed the holidays), it can really move you.

Also, Kurt Russell is awesome as Santa! He can be both hilarious and jolly at the same time. The jail scene where Santa jams with some of the fellow cell mates is probably the most stand out moment in the movie. And, of course, the surprise little cameo at the very end!

So, if you have Netflix, make sure to check this out for a nice holiday family movie night!

Here are a few interesting tidbits for 'The Christmas Chronicles':

• The mint condition Mickey Mantle rookie card given to a man in the restaurant and then torn up by his wife was sold in 2018 for $2.88 million.

• Santa's list includes several of Kurt Russell's grandchildren.

• The kid who asks for a snowboard in the video letters is Kurt's actual grandson Bing Bellamy.

• The valet of the restaurant is seen sitting at his booth watching his iPad with headphones. He's watching 'Stranger Things' a staple in the Netflix family.

• The film was announced in December 2017 and principal photography began in January 2018 in Toronto.

• Netflix reported the film was streamed by 20 million households over its first week of release.

• A sequel was announced on September 15, 2020.