Overall Thoughts: Zany, outrageous fun; even if it gets too carried away at times.
Hearing about 8-Bit Christmas, I was immediately sold on the concept. A kid wanting a Nintendo Entertainment System so much, and he and his friends' wild adventures to get it. The trailer was very promising, and the 80's setting was appealing. And having Neil Patrick Harris as the adult version of the main character seemed like a great casting choice. Could this be the next Christmas Story for this generation?
It doesn't hurt that the characters are pretty likable, and would be right at home in that movie or in Home Alone. Winslow Fegley (Oakes' younger brother) is terrific in the lead role Jake, Bellaluna Resnick is a scene-stealer as the younger sister, and Max Malas and Brielle Rankins are solid in their roles as well. As far as the adults go, Steve Zahn goes back and forth between outrageously strict and heartfelt nicely as Jake's Dad. And Harris does a wonderful job connecting to his inner child as a quasi-narrator.
The entertaining shenanigans here keep the pacing going smooth and quick. That being said, like A Christmas Story, there are some moments where things get too out of hand. Some of the lying, deception and stunts get to the point where they become unbelievable, and a couple of annoying characters do overstay their welcome. Also, some of the adults are a little too mean at times. However, being a movie aimed at kids, a hyper and outrageous depiction of some characters might have been the intention.
That being said, the film leads up to a surprisingly effective twist ending, which has some unexpected emotional pull as well. After 85 minutes of pure shenanigans, it was nice to have the film end on such a terrific and heartfelt note. It also solidifies some pretty strong messages for kids, including the importance of appreciating your family (warts and all), being grateful for what you have, as well as the importance of discernment and hard work to get what you want.
The film's production design and merits are refreshingly low-key as well. The 80's backdrop is accurately portrayed, and there are a few solid visual touches that fit in without standing out too much. Several movie references and other one-liners are solidly funny additions to the script. And, the editing and narration blend in nicely to provide necessary exposition and move the plot forward.
8-Bit Christmas is a rock-solid family movie that fits its' 80's theme like a glove. For me, it's not quite as good as the best Christmas movies, as it's often held back by being too overwhelming with its' zaniness at times. But, it's still a very entertaining, fun, and heartwarming ride that I could see some adding to their Christmas movie playlist every year.
Grade: B+
Is this movie family-friendly? 8-Bit Christmas is rated PG for "rude humor and some mild violence, language and suggestive references." Parents will need to take caution with very young viewers, as there is some behavior that should not be imitated. Kids lie, deceive, and act very disrespectfully to authority. To be fair, however, some adults are not great examples either here, and are often a little too insensitive and selfish. Language is a little strong for a PG movie, with two uses of "J***s!", one "G*dd***!", two "h***" and one "d***" used by an 11-year old. Lots of name-calling, a few uses of "g*d!" inappropriately, a song about diarrhea, and some talk about a dog's pooping habits (and we see the dog squatting at one other point). A comment about a "nudie magazine" and someone gives a "Sports Illustrated" magazine (with a scantily-clad model on the front) as a gift to a kid. A bully continues to push other kids down a hill and makes violent threats. Another kicks a TV, which falls on top of a dog and breaks. Jake's Dad makes a shady deal with a black market toy seller, and also references drinking a couple of times. In the end, for mature 8 or 9 year olds and up, 8-Bit Christmas isn't a bad option, and parents can definitely use it as a great discussion tool for its' messages!
