Dove Review:
Santa and Pete begins in an almost Princess Bride way, where Grampa Nicholas (James Earl Jones) tells his grandson, Terence (Sadrathe Gillespie), the story of St. Nick and Pete in narrative style. Before becoming Santa, St. Nick was a Christian Bishop who traveled throughout Europe handing out chocolates and toys to children.
While journeying through Spain, St. Nick is arrested and imprisoned as a spy because he carries a book containing people’s names and information about their futures titled The Book of Life. While in jail he meets Pete, the prison cook, who realizes St. Nick is a good man who carries a message of peace. Pete helps St. Nick escape from prison, grabbing his bag of toys and Book of Life from the sleeping prison guard.
Together they travel throughout Europe giving gifts to children. Sometime later, St. Nick and Pete decide to follow the children who journey to America to discover new beginnings. During their adventures in the “new world” they meet the early settlers and Native Americans and encourage them to end their dispute. Along the way, through both circumstances and offerings, St. Nick slowly transforms into the Santa we know today.
Santa and Pete is a lighthearted movie that shows the progression of how St. Nick becomes Santa as he and Pete help people experience peace and love. There are elements of Christ’s example throughout the movie. St. Nick and Pete display God’s compassion towards people. St. Nick says to Pete, “Life is the journey and God plans the itinerary.” There are also parallels to the story of Christ’s birth when there is “no room at the inn” so St. Nick and Pete sleep in a barn. St. Nick mentions to Pete, “Christmas started with a child.” Grampa tells Terence that St. Nick’s message was, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14). The movie includes a positive message and example, which makes it Dove-Approved for All Ages.
The Dove Take:
Santa and Pete’s heartwarming story of sharing the message of peace and giving makes it a delight for all ages. Children will especially enjoy discovering how St. Nick slowly transforms into Santa.
