Middle School Meets Oceans Eleven

In an attempt to retrieve their Christmas presents from the North Pole, a group of 9 kids infiltrate the North Pole to plan an Oceans-11 style heist. However, they get more than they bargained for when they learn valuable lessons. In The Naughty Nine Christian Movie Review and Parent Guide, I give parents the information they need before viewing Christmas movies with their children.

The Naughty Nine Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Mischievous fifth grader Andy finds himself without a visit or presents from Santa on Christmas morning. Realizing he must have landed on the “naughty list” and feeling unfairly maligned, Andy pulls together a team of eight other “naughty listers” to help him execute an elaborate heist at the North Pole to get the presents they feel they deserve. Along the way, the group comes to realize that the very best way off the naughty list is to redirect their unique talents for good — instead of mischief.   

My Synopsis:

In this Disney Christmas heist movie, a naughty middle schooler named Andy lies and tricks people so much that he is put on Santa’s Naughty list. When he doesn’t get a present from Santa for Christmas, he devises a plan to go to the North Pole and get his present.

Andy along with 8 other kids scheme to go to Santa’s Village. However, in an attempt to pull off the Christmas heist of the century, they learn valuable lessons along the way.

Christian Review of Disney The Naughty Nine – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

While there is no foul language, there are some crude words used such as “a blow off day,” “I think you’re weird,” butt, loser, sucker, etc.

Additionally, the word buns is used for buttocks.

Violence:

Very little violence is shown in this holiday film. In the opening scene, a fire in a school chemistry lab is shown. 

Additionally, a reindeer is aggressive with a human. 

There are a few crashes involving motorized vehicles. Additionally, a giant snow sculpture of Santa crashes to the ground. 

Spiritual Content:

This film centers around Santa Claus and the naughty list. A comment about what Christmas is really about is made. “Everyone thinks Christmas is about peace on earth and goodwill towards men, but it actually is about mind control.”

Other Content:

One child has two dads who are shown with their arms around each other drinking coffee. Someone comments about “Your dads.” Later the couple is shown standing on a porch with their arms around each other.

Furthermore, a child calls another person a “hottie,” and when a child calls a parent and pretend to be a mother, she makes a derogatory comment about husbands – “Husbands, am I right?” 

A sister and brother do not get along. She sees through his charm and lies.

Deception:

The main character, fifth-grader Andy Steele, is a master of deceit and manipulation. Additionally, there is plenty of lying, stealing, sneaking around, and mischief. Furthermore, a child pose as an adult on the phone. 

A child pretends to cry to get sympathy. 

Positive Content:

“The Naughty Nine” learn valuable lessons. 

Danny Glover plays a black Santa. Additionally, there is a diverse cast of characters. 

My favorite quote in the movie is, “Everyday, you have the opportunity to choose who you want to be. You don’t have to change yourself. Just use your powers for nice instead of naughty.”

The Naughty Nine Christian Review – My Viewing Recommendations

While the overall ending and message of this film is a positive one, and it is supposed to be a comedy, but it really isn’t funny. Since the entire movie is about deceit, lying, and sneaking around, these aren’t positive role models for your kids.

While most of our kids are not going to emulate the antics of the kids in The Naughty Nine, the targeted age range is middle school.  If you have a child in this age range, you know that this is already an age that can have already have challenging behaviors.

While similar to Home Alone, there were definite good guys and bad guys in that film. However, in this Disney Channel Original Movie, the lines are blurred between good and bad. If you choose to watch this holiday heist movie, make sure to watch it with your children.

About the Movie:

Rating: TV-PG

Release Date: November 23, 2023 (A Disney Original Movie released on the Disney Channel on November 22, 2023.)

Runtime: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Genre: Comedy/Fantasy

Studio: NeoReel, Rotten Egg Productions, Poutine Productions, Inc.

Director: Alberto Belli

Written by: Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas

Music by: Kenny Wood

Distributed by: Disney

The Cast of The Naughty Nine:

Andy played by Winslow Fegley (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and 8-Bit Christmas)

Dulce played by Camila Rodriguez

Linda Steele played by Brittany Charlotte Smith

Lewis played by Anthony Joo

Rose played by Clara Stack

Jon Anthony played by Deric McCabe (A Wrinkle in Time)

Bruno played by Derek Theler

Santa Claus played by Danny Glover

Laurel played by Madilyn Kellam

Elf Singer played by Jesica Grossing

Teacher played by Lindura

Jason Steele played by Randal Edwards

Albert played by Ayden Elijah

Ha-Yoon played by Imogen Cohen

Gate Guard Elf played by Chihang Ma

Kevin the Elf played by Leonidas Castrounis

Elf Captain played by Mike Chute

Conga Dancer played by Mélanie Dumais 

Principal Clark played by Jocelyne Zocco 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch The Naughty Nine?

The Naughty Nine can be found on Disney+ as of November 22, 2023. Additionally, it can be found on Fubo or to buy on Amazon  Prime

Is there LGBTQ+ content in The Naughty Nine?

Yes. One character has two dads.

What are the traits each child possesses?

Andy Steel is the mastermind and has the ability to plan and execute a complicated heist. He puts together a crack team to visit Santa’s Workshop to get their Christmas gifts.

Dulce is an archery expert, and Andy’s best friend.

Animal Whisperer Rose can calm animals and seems to be able to understand exactly what they need and want.

Master-of-disguise Jon Anthony creates magical and unique apparel.

Andy’s older sister, Laurel is a fantastic gymnast and can leap and jump.

Lewis is a wiz at computers and electronics.

The adorable innocent child is 

Getaway Driver Ha-Yoon is a fantastic navigator.

Bruno is the pilot that works with Andy’s father. The heist team enlists the help of Bruno to get to the North Pole.

Will The Naughty Nine stream on Disney+? 

Yes. The Naughty Nine is streaming on Disney+.

Will The Naughty Nine stream on Peacock?

At this time, The Naughty Nine is not streaming on Peacock.