8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Directed By: Michael Dowse
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, Steve Zahn, June Diane Raphael
Plot Summary: A humorous and heartfelt look back at the adventures of childhood. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, the story centers on ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Winslow Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
Nostalgia produced content aimed at a misty-eyed audience has always been a thing since the dawn of cinema and later television. In the ‘70s and ‘80s you have countless examples of films and television taking place in the ‘50s. Now that we are in the 2020’s we are looking fondly back to the ‘80s and ‘90s. My point is, this form of rose-tinted glasses is nothing new by a long shot. In fact, I think that it’s a natural part of being human to look back at a bygone era with the warm fuzzies.
I have to admit that seeing the trailer for 8-Bit Christmas I probably rolled my eyes more than a few times. It seemed like they weren’t even trying to hide the fact that the movie is a clear “homage” to films like A Christmas Story (the trailer even references this fact) and stitched together with the storytelling device of The Princess Bride. Still, I wanted to give it a fair shake. You know what? I think that for the most part the movie works really well. Dowse wears his influences on his festive sleeves yet, 8-Bit Christmas is able to thrives on its own merits. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the film is refreshing in how it both subverts tropes yet also uses said subversions to further highlight its themes. Dowse does a fine job at keeping things fun and light yet, knows when to tug at the heartstrings when appropriate.
The direction has a level of sophistication that is really impressive and Dowse clearly knows how to craft a solid genre film. And, whilst the movie is great from a technical standpoint its really the cast that holds this film together. Neil Patrick Harris gives a charming performance that further proves why he is beloved. Steve Zahn, I think has one the harder roles as he must balance being a stern dad but at the heart of him is a loving father and husband. Zahn finds this sweet spot. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the movie’s child actors who, in my opinion do a fine job. Winslow Fegley, who I previously praised in 2020’s Come Play truly handles the role with depth and a maturity beyond his years.
8-Bit is far from perfect and, as I stated above, it certainly doesn’t hide its inspirations and it did leave me feeling frustrated at time. Sadly, the plot isn’t as streamlined as it could have been which leads to some needless padding.
If I’m being totally honest, 8-Bit Christmas isn’t going to be the next Christmas classic. However, I think it was overall well-made despite some saggy pacing and well-worn plotting. When the movie allows itself to break free of its homages is truly where it hits its stride. This is most evident in the finale which did get me right in the feels. Fun enough for a seasonal watch thanks to great direction, a decent script, and a cast that brings it all together.
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Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.
