***Advanced access was provided to the movie, but all opinions are my own.***
When someone tells me that a new Christmas movie is an “instant classic”, I cringe. After all, it takes A LOT to unseat my holiday favorites. However, when I heard that the same studio that produced “Elf” and “A Christmas Story” made “8-Bit Christmas”, my expectations were immediately catapulted like Santa’s loaded down sleigh.
And, unexpectedly, after enjoying “8-Bit Christmas” with all of my family (ages 5-15), I am adding this to my holiday “must-watch” movie list.
When the film releases on HBOMax on November 24th, your family will likely do the same.
Storyline
The Nintendo Entertainment System is THE “it” gift of Christmas in Jake Doyle’s (Winslow Fegley) suburban Chicago neighborhood in the late 80’s- just as an iPhone is “it” for the present day Jake’s (played by Neil Patrick Harris) daughter. With Harris’ storytelling from his childhood bedroom while playing his old Nintendo with his daughter, an endearing holiday story dripping with childhood nostalgia unfolds for the all.
Complete with fake-wood-paneled minivans, to Cabbage Patch dolls, to Nintendo’s notorious “Power Glove”, the film will have any mom or dad consistently thinking of their own late 80’s/early 90’s lives.
“8-Bit Christmas” has everything for all members of the family: kid-related action, fun scenes with a school bully (h/t to Scut Farkus from “A Christmas Story”), hilarious family dynamics at Christmas, and a tender ending that might require a dabbing tissue.
Blogger Roundtable Interviews
I was fortunate to participate in Warner Brothers’ Bloggers Roundtable with the stars of “8-Bit Christmas”, Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, Steve Zahn, and June Diane Raphael. Hear the stars talk about the film using the links below.
Roundtable with Harris and Fegley:
Roundtable with Zahn and Raphael:
“8-Bit Christmas” Links
IMDb: here
Official Trailer: here
Happy Holidays!!!
