When the Netflix Original movie “The Christmas Chronicles” was released in 2018, it sent audiences into a whirlwind of holiday excitement. Although it was a cheesy children’s movie, I loved it as well. The movie was a hit, and seeing how Netflix enjoys making sequels to the same movies over and over, rather than making movies with new plots, a sequel was inevitable. The second movie came to Netflix Nov. 28 and I was excited about it because of my love for the first one, but the sequel was utterly disappointing. 

“The Christmas Chronicles 2” takes place two years after siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) help Santa (Kurt Russell) save Christmas. While reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son, Jack (Jahzir Bruno), now-teenager Kate decides to run away. Jack follows and they find themselves in the North Pole, where an evil elf is plotting to ruin Christmas. While a fun and creative idea for a Christmas movie, it was not well-executed. 

I like to say I’m a sucker for cheesy Christmas movies, but this was so hard to watch. There was an airport dance number, plus a singing montage at the end, both of which were very uncomfortable to watch. The singing number in the first movie felt like it fit into the plot, while this seemed abrupt and forced. 

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved the first of the series; I didn’t want to turn it off, but this one was boring and drawn-out. I didn’t absolutely hate everything about it, but this movie wasn’t even comparable to the first one. 

One thing I did like about the movie was the aspect of family. The whole reason Kate ended up in the North Pole was because she was running away, unhappy with her mom’s new relationship, but she learns the importance of family and the ending is really sweet. This would be a nice movie to watch with family, rather than alone in your room as a 15-year-old. 

If you and your family are wanting to watch an action-packed and comedic holiday movie, I would recommend the first movie. “The Christmas Chronicles 2” wasn’t a great movie, but passed the time amiably enough.