What happens when an evil elf meets a man on a mission?

What is the last Eddie Murphy movie you have seen? Daddy Day Care is frequently played in this household due to our youngest autistic son. And, while I have loved many of his movies, I was doubtful about Candy Cane Lane for two reasons: 1) It is being released straight to Amazon streaming, and 2) While Eddie Murphy has had many great movies, he has also had some duds. In this Candy Cane Lane Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before viewing this movie with their children.

Candy Cane Lane Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters and save Christmas for everyone.

My Synopsis:

Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) loses his job and plans to win the $100,000 grand prize for Candy Cane Lane’s great Christmas decorating contest.  

While all the stores are out of decorations, Chris finds an out-of-the-way Christmas shop run by an elf named Pepper. He buys magical decorations without reading the fine print. Now he must collect 5 gold rings before 8 PM on Christmas Eve. What could go wrong with that set-up?

Candy Cane Lane Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

First, there is extensive use of taking God’s name in vain, “oh my g-d” is said over 15X. I lost track because it was said so many times. 

Additionally, other variations were used, such as “oh g-d,” “my g-d,” and “oh my gosh.” 

But that is not all, “Jesus Christ,” is spoken as a curse word too.

But wait, there are more — “a-s” is spoken 5X and in phrases such as “Kick some a-s.” In fact, once a child says it. 

“H-ll” is uttered several times, including once as the destination. Other words include “d-mn,” and “p-ssed,” and “freakin.”

Additionally, “what the f..” is uttered multiple times, but each time it is cut off by Christmas caroling singing, “fa la la la la, la la la la.”

There are other similar play on words such as “Right in the coccyx.”

Finally, there are a few other insults and milder language — idiot, shut up, crap, and “I’m screwed.”

Violence:

There are a few incidents of violence, such as a fight in a store over Christmas decorations. 

A woman is crying while leaving a work environment. She is carrying a box as if she has been fired. Additionally, Chris Carver is fired from his job.

As the family tries to collect the Golden Rings (from the 12 Days of Christmas), they encounter some challenges and have some battles with some of the characters/animals from the 12 Days of Christmas.

Furthermore, a store is broken into, and items are stolen. Later, in an attempt to get them back, a garage is broken into.

Spiritual Content:

Someone says, “And God said, let there be Santas,” as a precursor to lighting up their Christmas decorations. 

Jesus Christ as the reason for the season is mentioned. A news anchor also mentions Hanukkah and goes on to state that Jesus was a Jew.

Obviously, a good bit of magic is used, from turning people into ornaments to ornaments turning into real-live animals and people. Additionally, Santa comes into town on his sleigh.

Adult Content:

This Christmas comedy has lots of innuendos and sayings with double meanings.

First, Chris and his neighbor (while they get along) have a friendly competition each year over their Christmas decorations. They exchange insults. Chris’ neighbor has chosen to go with Christmas inflatables. So, Chris says, “You have a thing for blow-up dolls,” and the neighbor responds, “We’re a family that blows.” 

Chris has many wooden statues and ornaments in his yard, and the neighbor makes a comment about him, “Carving your wood.”

A woman tells a man, “I’ll give you some of the good stuff later.” Another person says, “I don’t have no batteries, but you can check.”

A tiny man ornament flirts with a married woman and says inappropriate things.

Additionally, a married couple kiss several times, and a teen girl wears a shirt with her midriff showing.

Other Content:

A few jump scare scenes are included. After the first two, you come to expect it.

A few times, Chris gets anonymous phone calls that are threatening. 

Furthermore, several comments are made regarding race. “A black person always dies first.” “I knew Santa was black.” Additionally, as an insult, a black man says to the black Santa, “A white Santa Claus can help us.”

Deception:

After Chris finds out about “the fine print” in the contract he signed, he fails to tell his family about what will happen if he doesn’t fulfill his end of the contract.

Positive Content:

On the side of a building that Chris drives by there is a painted message, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” 

Candy Cane Lane is a movie about a family man who loses the focus of what is truly important. However, this is a family that does love each other. While Chris does get off track and forgets what is really important, the family really does care for each other. Eventually, Chris realizes the true meaning of Christmas (at least the secular version).

The entire family does realize that Christmas is so much more than the decorations.

Candy Cane Lane Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations

While this Christmas movie has laugh-out-loud funny parts, and Eddie Murphy shines as Chris Carver, as a Christian, it is hard to recommend this movie. While I don’t expect Hollywood to produce Christian content, and I am thrilled that there are Christian entertainment companies popping up, I just wish Hollywood would respect how offensive the constant use of “oh my g-d,” is to Christians.

Additionally, the movie itself is unique and has an overall cute storyline. I saw it in a packed movie theater, and there were many moments the audience was laughing. However, if you plan on watching this Christmas film, I would suggest previewing it before your children watch it.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for Language Throughout and Some Suggestive References

Release Date: December 1, 2023, on Amazon Prime

Runtime: 1 Hour, 48 minutes

Genre: Comedy/Holiday

Studio: Amazon Studios

Director: Reginald Hudlin

Written by: Kelly Younger

Produced by: Brian Gazer, Eddie Murphy, Karen Lunder, and Charisse Hewitt-Webster

Distributed by: Amazon Studios

The Cast of Candy Cane Lane:

Chris Carver played by Eddie Murphy

Carol Carver played by Trace Ellis Ross

Pepper played by Jillian Bell

Nick Carver played by Thaddeus J. Mixson

Holly Carver played by Madison Thomas

Joy Carver played by Genneya Walton

Pip played by Nick Offerman

Cordelia played by Robin Thede

Lamplighter Gary played by Chris Redd

Carolers played by Pentatonix

Santa played by David Alan Grier

Bruce played by Ken Marino

Shelly played by Anjelah Johnson-Reyes

Scott played by Lombardo Boyar

Emerson played by Timothy Simons

Kit played by Danielle Pinnock

Josh played by D.C. Young Fly

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Candy Cane Lane?

Candy Cane Lane is an Amazon Prime Original Movie and can be found streaming on that platform.

Is there an end-credit scene for Candy Cane Lane?

No. However, there are two mid-credit scenes.

Will Candy Cane Lane stream on Disney+? 

No. As Candy Cane Lane is an Amazon movie, it will not be streaming on Disney+.

Will Candy Cane Lane stream on Peacock?

No. As Candy Cane Lane is an Amazon movie, it will not stream on Peacock.

How much did it cost to produce Candy Cane Lane?

The production cost for Candy Cane Lane was $45 million.

Is there a Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo, CA?

Yes. The neighborhood, dubbed Candy Cane Lane, has been decorating for the holidays each year since 1949. Each year, starting early to mid-December, visitors can see the lights on East Acacia Avenue.

The film’s screenwriter, Kelly Younger, used to live up the street on Candy Cane Lane.

Do you have a favorite film you watch during the holiday season? Comment below and let me know!