Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
A holiday love story with drinking and body image issues.
What is the story?
Angelina (Aimee Garcia) is an aging pop star who needs a new hit to keep her CHRISTMAS WITH YOU contract. When she comes across a performance of one of her songs by a young fan (Deja Monique Cruz), she decides that going to meet her can be good social media content. What she doesn’t expect is a teenage fan and her dad (Freddie Prinze Jr.) to help her with her new song. Before she knows it, she’s tying the knot, but her celebrity life is a far cry from theirs.
Is it good?
This predictable holiday romance lacks chemistry or much real emotion, but it’s enjoyable enough. Some of the cultural touchstones in Christmas with you they feel very real, like the family’s mixing of Spanish and English or the abuela’s insistence that the guests eat. Others feel a little heavy-handed, like the slow-motion tamale making that’s meant to advance the main characters’ relationships. Angelina’s obsession with her weight seems unhealthy and outdated.
The two supporting actors leave an impression. Zenzi Williams looks great as Angelina’s personal assistant. We’ll probably still see Deja Monique Cruz, who gives a charming performance as the daughter who will celebrate her quinceañera
Talk to your kids about…
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The families can discuss what you think attracts Angelina to Miguel Christmas with yougiven their differences.
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What other movies have you seen where the characters speak a mixture of languages? Does it change the viewing experience if you don’t speak or understand both languages? Why or why not?
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Does Angelina remind you of any real-life celebrities? If so, who?
Movie details
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On DVD or streaming
:
November 17, 2022
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Cast
:
Freddie Prinze Jr., Aimee Garcia, Deja Monique Cruz -
Director
:
Gabriela Tagliavini -
Opt-in information
:
Women directors, Latino directors, Latino actors, actresses, black actresses, indigenous actors
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Studio
:
Netflix -
Genre
:
Romance -
Themes
:
Friendship, music and singing -
Working hours
:
90 minutes
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MPAA rating
:
-
Last updated
:
February 17, 2023
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a link 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 that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children