IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love about one teenager’s journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
About
Synopsis: Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Coming this Christmas season, IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love!
Starring: Lawson Touliatos, Leela Owen, Dimitri Mareno
Rated: G
Running time: 88 minutes
Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance
Review & Analysis
Story
The story follows a predictable arc. At one point, the main character, Jake, references “A Christmas Carol” which this movie seems to be loosely based upon. There are no surprises and the plot follows a predictable arc but that’s to be expected for a holiday movie.
Characters
None of the characters are particularly compelling. They’re there to move the story along and facilitate expressing the theme of the movie. One character, Joe, serves as a link between the “real world” and the “fantasy world” that serves as a bit of a maguffin.
Themes
Finding/remembering the “true meaning of Christmas” is the driving theme in IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN. Unlike movies you’ll see on Hallmark or Disney, this film focuses on Christ’s birth rather than valuing family and friends or being kind to others. Those themes are there but aren’t the primary theme.
Execution
Along with the story, characters, and themes, the quality of this movie is on par with a Disney or Hallmark holiday film. I don’t have any major complaints about the acting, singing, or sets. If you go into this movie with the expectation that you’re watching something made-for-tv (or streaming) you won’t come away feeling like you’ve been short-changed.
Appeal
IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN will appeal to Christian families looking for a movie that focuses on why we celebrate Christmas rather than the good feelings generated by the holidays.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a movie you can take the whole family to and focuses on Jesus, IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN will not disappoint.
Buy your tickets TODAY to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters only on 11/29!
Giveaway: I’m offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one U.S. subscriber to Jesus Flicks. Leave a comment on the YouTube video to be eligible. Note: I will need your full name and email address if you are selected.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Mapelle Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.