8-Bit Christmas, 80's Christmas nostalgia

Since I saw its trailer, which promised a trip to the 80's with the search for a Nintendo as a common thread, I knew this production was perfect for me.

I love video games, Christmas, 80s aesthetics and Neil Patrick Harris, so I couldn't resist.

However, I was aware that this was a product destined for a streaming platform, which led me to keep my expectations tempered, expecting simply a cute Christmas movie that would entertain. And that's exactly what it delivers: no more, no less.

It is interesting to review the director's filmography, as most of his works are far from children's cinema.

On this occasion, he manages to present an endearing and correct proposal, without the need for great boasts, thus fulfilling his mission. The script, although it does not stand out for its originality, is based on the concept of “A father in trouble”, replacing Turbo Man's toy with a coveted Nintendo as the great “MacGuffin”.

Despite the lack of innovation, the film features amusing situations, endearing characters and a development that maintains interest.

Maybe it's because of my love for consoles and video games, but I got involved in the story and suffered every time the precious loot escaped from the protagonist. In addition, the film does not forget its Christmas essence, offering a touching message in its final moments.

Nostalgic people, like me, will find multiple references to an unrepeatable decade. Those who lived those wonderful years will surely enjoy the film, which is entertaining for both children and adults who will identify with the premise.

Winslow Fegley shines as the lead, delivering a flawless performance. I have seen him in other productions and he has always given convincing performances, which makes me think he has a great future ahead of him.

His co-stars, including Neil Patrick Harris and Steve Zahn, also deliver in spades, enjoying their roles as deluxe supporting players.

It entertains, amuses, fulfills the task of comedy to see any afternoon with the family, and that the daddies comment that they played this or that to the kids who now only do tiktoks, just as our parents told us that they played with sticks and stones and we only wanted to goose the Sega, Nintendo or Spectrum.