Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 8+
Sappy, star-studded holiday flick is clean family fun.
-
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Angels Sing is a family-friendly holiday film about finding your Christmas spirit. The music-centric film features a star-studded cast, including Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. Although there is a little scary stuff with two characters dying in accidents, everything is behind the scenes and no graphic violence is shown. And, with no sex, little bad language (one "damn" in a song), and only one vague reference to alcohol, the film is OK for tweens and up.
To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
-
Violence & Scariness
a little
Two characters die, including a main character, though both deaths aren't actually shown on-screen. Another main character is injured in a car accident.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Language
very little
"Damn" is used once in a Christmas song.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
One character shows up to Thanksgiving with a bottle of tequila in hand, but no mention is made of it and no one is shown drinking it.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Products & Purchases
none
Although Michael tries to argue that Christmas has become an example of excess consumerism, his family and new neighbors show him the real meaning of Christmas.
-
Positive Messages
a little
Besides the main positive message of holiday spirit and cheer, Nick teaches Michael about family: "What ties a family together? It's not the blood, it's not the same last name -- it's the memories."
-
Positive Role Models
a little
Nick becomes a positive role model for Michael as he shows him the true meaning of Christmas.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Angels Sing
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents Say
- Kids Say
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Michael Walker (Harry Connick Jr.) lost his Christmas spirit after a family tragedy that occurred when he was a young boy. Despite the efforts of his son, David (Chandler Canterbury); his wife, Susan (Connie Britton); and his mom (Fionnula Flanagan) and dad (Kris Kristofferson), Michael refuses to celebrate the holiday. Musical neighbors (including Lyle Lovett) and the generous gift of the mysterious Nick (Willie Nelson) aren't enough to combat Michael's grinchiness until another family tragedy forces him to examine his own feelings about the true meaning of Christmas and family.
Is It Any Good?
ANGELS SING feels like your basic made-for-TV Christmas movie, only given an upgrade with an all-star cast; it's formulaic and a little hokey, but somehow you don't really mind. Although it's sappy, the emotional connections are believable and the characters are likable. And kids and parents alike will enjoy the music, which plays a central role in the film. From the silly made-up lyrics in Kris Kristofferson's "12 Days of Christmas" to the wistful duets with Lyle Lovett, all the music is a far cry from the usual Christmas fare.
The clichéd plot keeps it from competing with the holiday classics, but Angels Sing is definitely a movie you could watch again next Christmas, if only to hear the different takes on Christmas carols.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of Christmas lights and decorations in the film. Why do you think they're so important? How do Christmas lights represent the spirit of Christmas?
Do you like the music in the movie? What's your favorite holiday song?
What's your favorite holiday movie? Why is it your favorite?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 2013
- Cast : Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britton, Kris Kristofferson, Fionnula Flanagan
- Director : Tim McCanlies
- Inclusion Information : Female actors
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating : PG
- MPAA explanation : Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.
- Last updated : March 24, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Angels Sing
Suggest an Update
Your privacy is important to us. We won't share this comment without your permission. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. See our privacy policy.
