Oh my garland! Christmas comes early this year with Disney+’s holiday comedy release of Noelle, starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. Read on to hear my thoughts in my Noelle Parent Review. I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements to help you decide if it’s kid-friendly. Get a mom’s perspective on if children should see Disney Plus’ Noelle. And of course, no spoilers.
Disney Plus Noelle Parent Review #DisneysNoelle
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Disney+ has launched with its original film, Noelle, and it is the perfect holiday treat! I’ll be the first to admit, when I initially saw a preview for Noelle, I was giddy. I LOVE a good Christmas movie…and my kids do, too! In fact, although I had already seen Noelle at Disney Studios last week, it was my kids first choice to watch on Disney+! I couldn’t argue with that! Although it was technically a school night, we let them stay up a bit later for some extra family time, cuddles on the couch, and a new film!
The Story
Noelle Kringle (Anna Kendrick) is the daughter of Santa. When her dad passes away, it’s her brother’s (Bill Hader) turn to take the reigns. While Noelle’s job in the North Pole has always been to “spread joy,” and design elaborate Christmas cards, she seems to want more.
Although Nick Kringle has trained his entire life for this job, it doesn’t seem to come natural to him. He is very overwhelmed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Noelle suggests her brother “take the weekend off” to take a break. What she doesn’t expect, is for him to runaway!
The North Pole village is in an uproar…Santa is MISSING, and they’re blaming Noelle. With the help of Elf Polly (Shirley MacLaine), Noelle decides to set out on a mission to find her brother and save Christmas.
Noelle Intuitively Knows Christmas
While Nick Kringle may be destined to be Santa, Noelle seems to fit the shoes (suit?) better. She has Santa like qualities that her brother is missing. For example, Noelle can communicate with all children. She can naturally speak other languages and even knows sign language without even realizing it.
Theme of Women Equality
Nick knows he’s not meant to be Santa. He needs to do what makes him happy and take care of his mental well-being. Nick knows it’s his sister who is truly Santa. Breaking the traditional cultural norms, Disney+’s Noelle tackles the topic of equality for women, and it’s done in the perfect way.
Elf Polly’s Connection with Noelle
I immediately noticed the strong connection Noelle had with Elf Polly. I found her to be closer to her, even more so than her own mother. When we interviewed Producer Suzanne Todd, I asked if this was intentional, or something that just played out. She said it was absolutely done on purpose. Noelle’s mother, Mrs. Kringle’s (Julie Hagerty) job has always been to take care of Santa. When her husband passes, her new duty is to tend to her son, as he is the new Santa. Noelle needed someone especially for her, and that’s where Elf Polly comes in.
Is Noelle Kid-Friendly?
Should your children see Disney Plus’ Noelle? Oh my garland, YES! This is seriously the perfect family friendly film. There is no violence (aside from Noelle getting arrested), there is no bad language, and it just really celebrates the joy of the holiday season!
Side note: Your kids (and you) will fall in love with the adorable CGI Reindeer, Snow Cone!
Messages in Noelle
There are so many great messages and conversation starters in Noelle to have with your children. I feel like I could write an entire post about them!
When Cousin Gabe (Billy Eichner) takes over for Santa, he is trying to turn the North Pole into Amazon Prime! It brings light to the subject that although technology is continuously advancing, it’s important to still focus on the importance of tradition and human connection. We should always remember the true meaning of Christmas. Noelle says it best when she says, “It’s not about the presents we get, but the presence we give.” How true is this?! We always seem to focus on the perfect gift during Christmastime, but what about the simple gift of just showing up. Being there. Being present in that moment with your family. That is what our children will remember. If you were to ask my oldest son what Christmas means to him, without skipping a beat, he’ll always say, “family.”
Nick doesn’t want to be Santa. That doesn’t make him a bad guy, it just makes him who he is — and that’s okay! I loved the message about being true to yourself and following your own destiny. Whether it’s to be a yoga instructor or Santa. Always be yourself and believe in yourself!! Don’t follow your dreams, chase them!!
Final Thoughts
Noelle is a delightful heartwarming holiday film that will put the Christmas twinkle in your eye. It’s the perfect movie to welcome the season. The young and the young at heart will fall in love with Anna Kendrick’s irresistible Christmas spirit. Grab your yogurt pants and cup of peppermint hot chocolate, and cozy up with your family. Start streaming Noelle on Disney+ TODAY!!
Side note: Keep your eyes peeled for hidden Mickey’s throughout the film!!
About Noelle
In Disney+’s holiday comedy “Noelle,” Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
I hope you enjoyed my Disney+ Noelle Parent review! Will you be streaming this holiday film?
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