Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
Frothy holiday romcom has mild language, product placement.
Not present
Based on 7 parent reviews
What is the story?
In THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Sir Cole Lyons (Josh Whitehouse), under the spell of an old witch, travels through time from England in 1344 to Bracebridge, Ohio in 2019. He is told he must complete a “quest” before midnight on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, Cole doesn’t know what the quest is. In Bracebridge, science teacher Brooke Winters (Vanessa Hudgens, who also has an executive producer credit) is looking forward to Christmas, even though she’s given up on love after a painful breakup. Culture shock doesn’t even come close to describing Sir Cole’s confusion and dismay when he lands in this small town in the modern world. Because he is believed to have suffered a stroke when he fell, the townspeople are sympathetic. They assume his costume means he’s a member of the holiday festival. Brooke insists on letting him stay in her spare bedroom until he remembers. In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, Cole — still claiming to be from Olde England — and Brooke work together to make the season merry and hopeful for the whole community. At the same time, the young knight seeks the task he was sent to complete.
Is it good?
The amiable cast and carefree holiday sentiments, as well as its all-encompassing “fairy-taleness,” should engage audiences, especially younger ones who demand neither subtlety nor originality. Romantic comedies, given new life by streaming and cable sites, are reaching a wider audience. Following close on their heels Princess Switchanother successful Vanessa Hudgens-Netflix deal, The Knight Before Christmas is a healthy enough choice for kids and families who want to snuggle up together for a cozy movie night. And, as always, fish-out-of-water stories always seem welcome.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can discuss the continuing appeal of “fish out of water” movies. What does the term mean? What emotions do you think the concept touches? Why is it? The Knight Before Christmas fish out of water movie?
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What does the film’s statement mean: “A knight’s true quest provokes his deepest weakness.” Can you think of a situation in your life where you had to overcome a personal challenge in order to succeed?
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Be creative. Write (or draw) a story in which you are miraculously transported to another place and time. Where and when would you like to go? Describe what you see and hear. What would surprise you the most?
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