Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
The uneven, predictable romance has positive role models.
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Based on 2 opinions of parents
What is the story?
CHRISTMAS IN CAROLINA is about the romance between investment advisor Elle (Joslyn Y Hall) and team manager Wesley (David L. Rowell), who meet when Elle’s cousin Blythe (Jessi Nicolet) sets them up on a blind date. It doesn’t go well, to say the least: Wesley is late, and Elle can hardly put down the phone thanks to her demanding job. But there is something there and they decide to try again. They quickly fall for each other and Wesley invites Elle to spend Christmas with his large, extended family in South Carolina. Elle is warmly welcomed, but trouble and suspicions begin to creep in when Wesley’s brother Ryan (Terrence Shingler) insists that Elle is lying to Wesley. Maybe they weren’t meant for each other after all.
Is it good?
This gentle romantic Christmas holiday set radiates warmth and positivity. Unfortunately, all that good feeling inside Christmas in the Carolinas it doesn’t quite overcome the slow pace, predictability or uneven acting. There are even a few continuity issues, one of which just seems sloppy and the other confusing. The story also skips over some key parts that would have given the film a stronger foundation if we had seen, for example, how or why Elle changed her mind.
The quiet, gentle pace and characters who are all adults with well-established careers or grown children may limit the appeal to teenagers. And while Christmas is a prominent backdrop, very little would change in the story if it were set at any other time of year. This also limits the appeal to children, as the film is not about Christmas itself, and only one child character appears very, very briefly. Fans of the ’90s sitcom It’s a Family Matters might enjoy watching the two cast members remember reuniting as siblings.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can discuss positive role models Christmas in the Carolinas. Why is diversity important in movies, TV, games, and other media? How do you feel when you see positive characters who look like you? What do you learn when you see people who are different?
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Romance movies are always popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites? How does this one compare?
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Wesley’s family loves Christmas because it brings everyone together. What is your favorite holiday? What makes it special or magical to you?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children