I like the first movie, but The Christmas Chronicles 2 seems like a slapped-together sequel. The writing is lazy and tries to cram in as much exposition as possible in every line to hurry the muddled story along. The characters don't talk or react like normal people would. The villain is also very weak. I'm not quite sure why they cast Julian Dennison as Belsnickel. There is some magic in The Christmas Chronicles 2, but I expected more from Chris Columbus.

This is even more so a kids movie than the first one. That's not a bad thing, but as just about every review I've read for the movie here on IMDb has stated, it takes a back seat to the prior film. The story reunites Santa (Kurt Russell) with his young protagonist Kate Pierce (Darby Camp),but for some reason leaves her brother Teddy (Judah Lewis) on the sidelines for this adventure. Well, we know why the film makers did that but it just smacks of pushing an agenda. Fortunately, Kurt Russell is still in fine form as Santa Claus, with the movie delving a little into his back story starting out as St. Nicholas. I would have been disappointed if he didn't get an opportunity to sing in this one, although it would have taken a lot to top the "Christmas Time Pretty Baby" number from the first picture. "The Spirit of Christmas" tune didn't have the same punch here but on it's own was pretty good. This story had a villain by way of an elf who turned human when he broke the elves code hundreds of years ago. With the help of a wildcat named Jola and the scoundrel elf Speck, Belsnickel (Julian Dennison) wreaks some havoc before finally getting imbued with the Christmas spirit, courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn). When it was all over, he got his wish and turned back into an elf again, but to my mind, that had to be a dubious honor.

The Christmas Chronicles was an enjoyable festive romp thanks to the star power of Kurt Russell and owed a nod to Home Alone.

The sequel is directed by Chris Columbus who made the first two Home Alone and Harry Potter movies. This owes a nod to Gremlins with mischievous elves.

A malevolent elf Belsnickel gradually turned to human form for being too grinchy plans to take revenge on Santa. He wants to steal the pole star that powers Santa's village.

Belsnickel sends Kate Pierce (Darby Camp) who was in the first film and future-step brother Jack who are on holiday in Cancun with their parents down a wormhole to the North Pole.

Kate reunites with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) and they go looking for the missing star. Jack and Mrs Claus (Goldie Hawn) tend to the injured reindeer Dasher and bring it back to health.

This is a busy sequel but strangely empty and charmless. An overlong movie that takes a while to get going.

It seems to be made to order with a wishlist of ingredients that goes to make a hit Christmas movie. In turn it has no soul.

Just look at the Logan airport scene where all the planes are delayed and the passengers are grouchy. Santa lifts the Christmas spirit with a song and dance routine featuring Darlene Love. All of a sudden the crowds are cheering and the planes are suddenly on schedule. Lifting the Christmas spirit. That's straight out of Elf.