Claus Family 2 (De Familie Claus 2) is a sequel to the dutch Christmas-themed movie, which revolves around a teenager Jules (Mo Bakker) and his grandpa aka Santa Claus Noel. The film follows the succession of the young Santa Claus and his attempt of reviving broken relationships. It has a runtime of one hour and thirty-eight minutes and is directed by Ruben Vandenborre.
The cast of the film includes seasoned dutch actors like Mo Bakker, Jan Decleir, Bracha van Doesburgh, Eva van der Gucht, Josje Huisman, Janne Desmet, Stefaan Degand, Renée Soutendij, Sien Eggers, Amber Metdepenningen, Pommelien Thijs. Moreover, the screenplay of the flick is written by Ruben Vandenborre and Elke de Gezelle.
-Claus Family 2 Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The film starts with the induction of Jules as the new Santa Claus, along with his experienced grandpa Noel. The synchronized duo decides to take a trip back to the North Pole (using their magical globe) and start with their preparation for Christmas. Furthermore, senior Claus has all the confidence in Jules, to take forward the legacy of distributing presents as the symbol of love and family.
Meanwhile, Jules’ mother opens up a cupcake business in the movie. And also gets constantly set up with the handsome duke by her mom (which is the only contextual reference to its predecessor). She further remains unaware of the secret Christmas activity carried out by grandpa Noel and the teenage son, similar to the first part. Although the film is a sequel in nature, it does not reflect any follow-up arc or narrative.
Jules receives an innocent letter from Marie, a young girl whose parents are going through a separation. He learns that she wants them to stay together, and find a way of reconnecting like in the old times. The teenager confronts his Claus grandfather with the wish, who immediately declines the ordeal. His staff cum employees further state that Christmas is completely reserved for presents, and not for divorce patch-ups.
The entire film then struggles to co-relate the two concepts and finds Jules, beginning to understand the true meaning of Santa Claus. What happens next forms the basic structure of a repetitive and mundane Christmas movie.
Also Read: Neal Brennan: Blocks: Review: Self-Deprecating Humor Paints a Picture of Traumedy
The film is a repeated tale of Christmas, that fails to generate any intrigue whatsoever. It constantly tries to have the upper edge using moral themes but ends up becoming too preachy for its own good. Even though the film is around ninety minutes long, it feels stretched and unnecessarily divided.
The only decent part of the film, that forms some sort of connection, is the monologue grandpa Noel gives about love, loss and sacrifice. At first, it looks like the film will redeem itself in the climax, but it ultimately becomes tonally deaf. Something which is now a growing trend in Christmas-themed movies.
Also Read: Ryan Murphy’s Monster Series and The Watcher Gets Greenlight for Season 2
Claus Family 2 Final Thoughts
The Claus family definitely falls behind the list of Christmas themes movies and becomes a lacklustre show that might not resonate with you. It is preachy, submissive and repetitive to its core. Furthermore, the holiday season is still weeks ahead, which leaves some hope for a finely made Santa Claus flick.
You can stream the movie on Netflix. Let us know your thoughts about this dutch rendition of Santa Claus and his monotone presents in the comment section below.
Also Read: Shows Like Buying Beverly Hills to Spice Up Your Mundane Week