8-BIT CHRISTMAS

We open the film to find Jake Doyle (Neil Patrick Harris) being harassed by his 10-year-old daughter Annie, about getting her a cellphone for Christmas. With unbendable will power, Annie becomes increasing frustrated with her father for turning her down at every request. Believing her father to be overly harsh, Jake recounts the tale from when he was her age, in 1988 and how badly he wanted a Nintendo Entertainment System. There is only 1 kid in their town who owns 1, and kids camp out all morning for the opportunity to be picked to play along side him (technically, he allows 10 kids in per day to play). However, it's soon announced the local boy scouts troop (of which Jake and all of his friends with the exception of one due to her gender, are apart of) is giving away a free NES to the scout who can sell the most Christmas wreaths. Another 1980's nostalgia fest as well as a "it's the journey, not the destination story" and while this doesn't bring anything new to the table for a Christmas or throwback film, it's still entertaining, at times funny, and heartfelt as well. With the ability to watch it on HBO Max, if you're a fan of the 80's or were into the NES, this will appeal to you. And if not, the Christmas themes should still be enough to grab the attention of even the most casual viewer. 6.5/10