This movie is a celebration of Christmas for the kids, and it adds some laughs for the parents. It also drives home a great lesson: there are consequences for our actions and the importance of keeping a humble perspective.
The movie packs a lot into a short amount of time. Eve is a cute little girl who sings with her family at the opening of the film. They sing, “wonders of His love” from Joy to the World. Eve tells her family and visiting friends that she loves them and that she is going straight to bed “like all good, obedient children do!” She bids them “Goodnight” as she heads to her upstairs bedroom but then tells her stuffed animal “Emma” that she can’t sleep. She says Santa is delivering gifts to all the good little girls and boys and she says she knows she’s on Santa’s “nice list!” Just as a shooting star partially lights up the sky, she wishes for a very special wish.
The movie shifts to the North Pole and we see Santa acknowledging the challenge of her wish. “I wanted to go play pickleball Tuesday night,” says Santa, which he knows now won’t be possible as he and the elves will have to make Eve’s Christmas Eve wish come true.
The film features nice sets and costumes, and a human actor made up with fur and a red nose portrays Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the film. In another humorous scene the head elf says they are the “A-team,” and the elves all join hands and proclaim, “Elves rule!”
The movie shows some friction between Eve’s parents, Marcus and Brenda, but they comedically tell Eve they don’t argue, but they have “passionate discussions!” Eve confesses to her parents about her special Christmas Eve wish which is causing problems in her family. Eve also has a run-in with two of her close friends who feel their relationship is now just about Eve. One of her friends tells her that the true spirit of Christmas is in “giving.”
Fortunately, Eve’s abuela tells her that no one likes a bragger, and she keeps her nativity set up year-round to remind her of her Savior.
Content Analysis: The true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of humility is lovingly and movingly shared in this film. A Christian belief is related as needed and positive. And, without plot spoiling, the character of Eve goes through a transformation in the story.
Think About It: There are great discussion points in the film for parents to have a candid conversation with their children. Selfishness and its consequences are showcased, as is the need for humility and the real meaning behind the annual celebration of Christmas. And the parents in this movie show forgiveness toward one another. Will Eve “unwish” her wish? Does the movie have a happy ending? You will have to watch it to find out.
The movie is delightful and playful, with amusing characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, and we are pleased that it has earned our Dove seal for All Ages.