Approved for 12+

Christmas with the Kranks

After faithfully and happily celebrating Christmas their entire lives, and with their daughter Blair in Peru to serve a stint in the Peace Corps, Luther and Nora Krank are facing the prospect of a very lonely holiday. One blustery Chicago night, Luther glances longingly at an alluring poster in a travel agency window and pictures himself and Nora basking in the glow of the sun on a Caribbean cruise. Though Nora is at first reluctant about going away for the holidays, she soon warms up to the idea. But when their neighbors find out, they are aghast, especially local busybody Vic Frohmeyer. To make matters worse, Luther refuses to put his illuminated Frosty the Snowman on his rooftop. Hemlock Street is famous for it and has won numerous contests sponsored by the local newspaper. The battle of wits between the Kranks and their neighbors quickly escalates, threatening the harmony of the community and, yes, the spirit of Christmas itself. Then, without warning, Luther and Nora get a call from Blair. She is coming home for Christmas after all and now the Kranks have less than twenty-four hours to get themselves and all the families on Hemlock Street back in the proper Christmas spirit.
5
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
0
Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

This film is destined to become a Christmas favorite for years to come. I believe that special attention has been paid to make the film in such a way that most families will not be offended by its content. Since its MPAA rating of PG was given so close to its release date, I can only conclude that they removed elements that would have garnered a PG-13 rating specifically to appeal to families of all types. I was impressed that even though the Kranks were going to boycott Christmas, one concession that Luther makes is to still give their annual donations to a charity and to their church.

The Kranks is a good example of Hollywood intentionally making a film for the entire family by their definition. The only reason I gave it 4 Dove’s instead of 5 was due to some predictable plot elements and the inclusion of mild language and alcohol use that could both have been removed without changing the movie’s plot.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Slapstick

0
Sex

None

1
Language

H-1; D-1; What in G_s name-1.

1
Violence

Slapstick

2
Drugs

Holiday drinking is considered normal. Most major characters drink wine or beer. Only 1 scene where a neighbor appears drunk.

1
Nudity

Skimpy bathing suits worn for comedic effect by Mr. and Mrs. Krank during a tanning session.

0
Other

None

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