{"id":12778,"date":"2024-11-04T05:25:05","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T12:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=12778"},"modified":"2024-11-05T15:18:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T22:18:05","slug":"humor-charm-pure-entertainment-the-next-holiday-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/humor-charm-pure-entertainment-the-next-holiday-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Saving Christmas * Humor, Charm, Pure Entertainment! The Next Holiday Classic!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12787\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.POSTER.jpg?resize=120%2C177&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"177\" \/>Tired of family chores, and only caring about his gifts, a teenager wishes a little too hard and accidentally makes Christmas disappear! As the only one who remembers its existence, it&#8217;s now up to him to bring the holiday back to the world and learn the true meaning of Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adele B. comments, \u201cSaving Christmas is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201c<em>Saving Christmas <\/em>has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn\u2019t. \u00a0Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but throughout the year as well.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Saving Christmas<br \/>\nBy Adele B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S8mkAQ9FXds?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12781 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.A.jpg?resize=223%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.A.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.A.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.A.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/>Saving Christmas<\/em>\u00a0is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones. All of the visuals and acting are engaging and definitely draw you in.<\/p>\n<p>The story starts with a glimpse at a typical teenager, Nick (Ricardo Ortiz), annoyed that his computer isn&#8217;t working and he could care less about Christmas. Meanwhile, his family is passionately preparing for Christmas and, despite Nick\u2019s lack of enthusiasm, they make him participate.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lTZvR5eDFmU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12786\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.E.jpg?resize=220%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.E.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.E.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/>Nick is shocked while putting up the lights and awakens only to discover that his family has drastically changed and Christmas has disappeared. With tables turned and as the only one who remembers its existence, Nick enlists the help of his best friend Ben (Josh Zaharia) to help him save Christmas and bring the magic of the holiday back to life for his family.<\/p>\n<p>This film definitely kept my attention and I stayed curious wondering what was next in this crazy adventure. Richard Ortiz, as Nick, has great comedic timing and is very relatable. I couldn\u2019t help but root for him in his fight to save Christmas.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12782 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.I.jpg?resize=224%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.I.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.I.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.I.jpg?w=799&amp;ssl=1 799w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>It is so touching the great lengths he goes to get his family into the holiday spirit. The camera work is terrific with seamless transitions that make it easy to watch. The sets and props look so realistic and typical of everyday life by a middle class American family. I also enjoyed the costumes, especially when they dress up for Christmas as each outfit s personalized for each member of the family. My absolute favorite costumes are his sister Jojo\u2019s outfits and her hair styles as they perfectly match her personality.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12783\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.H.jpg?resize=222%2C125&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.H.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.H.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/>We quickly see the fun relationship that Jojo and Nick have as well as the bond between all of the family members. I love how Nick uses simple items like pom-poms and candy canes all around and his family loves them. It really shows how much he adores his family and the strong bond between them. I love seeing the actors get into their different characters both with and without Christmas. The one shortfall is that the supporting actors didn\u2019t quite stand up to the dynamics of the main characters. Also, I was not so fond of the background music in some scenes and in a few spots the lip movements are out of sync with the person speaking.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is to always be grateful for what you have and to appreciate loved ones. It highlights the true meaning of Christmas and how traditions bring us joy.\u00a0It also reminds us to never give up when we are faced with a challenge, especially if we are fighting for something we truly believe in.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Saving Christmas<\/em> 4 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. This film premieres on VOD and streaming on November 5, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Saving Christmas<br \/>\nBy Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7CHsgBDy0TU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12779 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.C.jpg?resize=224%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.C.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.C.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.C.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>Saving Christmas <\/em>has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn\u2019t. \u00a0Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but through out the year as well.<\/p>\n<p>Nick Baker (Ricardo Ortiz) is a 16-year-old boy whose only goals in life are to make movies, and open presents. \u00a0So when his Mom (Casey James) tosses a thousand and one Christmas chores his way, he wishes for Christmas to disappear.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12780\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.B.jpg?resize=220%2C124&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.B.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.B.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.B.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>My favorite character in the film is Nick\u2019s best friend, Ben (Josh Zaharia). \u00a0No matter what crazy idea Nick has, such as Christmas, Ben tries to find the positive in it. \u00a0When Nick is late for a film group meeting, Ben tries to reason with the other members, telling them that Nick must have a reason for being late, and not to kick him out of the club. \u00a0Nick\u2019s family is quite interesting. \u00a0Each member of their clan brings something different to the table. \u00a0When Christmas is forgotten, the way they change is fun to watch.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12785 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.F.jpg?resize=224%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.F.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.F.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.F.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>Nick\u2019s younger sister, Jojo (Ella Wejr \/ Ellexis Wejr), goes from being a regular girl who loves the atmosphere of Christmas, to a professional, business women who is president of the debate club.<\/p>\n<p>Some parts of the film are kind of hard to understand, and make it slightly confusing.\u00a0 For example, in the beginning, we see Nick having the time of his life on his computer, but the montage ends and we see him sleeping at his desk. \u00a0At first I thought that he only dreamed the whole thing, but later we learn that he often works during the night, as it \u201cbrings out his creativity.\u201d \u00a0Some parts are kind of corny, but nothing that detracts it as a good holiday movie.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12784\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.G.jpg?resize=224%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.G.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.G.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/SAVINGXMAS.G.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>The film\u2019s message is that it is better to give than receive. Before Nick erases Christmas, he is on the receiving team when it comes to gifts. But once the holiday is gone, he sees how he took the kindness of others and everything they did for him for granted. Be forewarned that there is a bit of profanity in this film.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Saving Christmas <\/em>4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. <em>Saving Christmas <\/em>flies into theaters on Nov 5, 2024.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j8Nd2Ao9oXY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tired of family chores, and only caring about his gifts, a teenager wishes a little too hard and accidentally makes Christmas disappear! As the only one who remembers its existence, it&#8217;s now up to him to bring the holiday back to the world and learn the true meaning of Christmas.<br \/>\nKIDS FIRST! Film Critic Adele B. comments, \u201cSaving Christmas is pure entertainment and kept a smile on my face until the end! It could easily be the next holiday classic. I like the juxtaposition of funny moments, with more deep and heartwarming ones.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201cSaving Christmas has everything I would expect from a Christmas movie, and some things that I didn\u2019t.  Humor, charm, and the holiday spirit give this movie an original Christmas feel, but the mystery and dual reality make it enjoyable not just in December, but throughout the year as well.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15,12],"tags":[8377,8376,1783,2373,20,464,1207,69,8369,8370,8373,8372,551,1166,700,1072,1117,8368,8375,8374,8371],"class_list":["post-12778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","category-interviews","tag-appreciation","tag-birth-of-jesus","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-christian-movies","tag-christmas","tag-comedy","tag-family","tag-friendship","tag-josh-zaharia","tag-kirk-cameron","tag-kirk-camerons-saving-christmas","tag-meaning-of-christmas","tag-movie-review","tag-movie-reviews","tag-ricardo-ortiz","tag-santa","tag-santa-claus","tag-saving-christmas","tag-saving-christmas-movie-review","tag-saving-christmas-review","tag-saving-christmas-roblox"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3k6","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12778"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12796,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12778\/revisions\/12796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}