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Christmas in the City

Name: Christmas in the City
Director: Marita Grabiak
Released: 2013
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Limited

2013

TV-PG

Director

Marita Grabiak

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Christmas in the City is a traditional narrative that emphasizes reinforcing established cultural norms. It serves as a nostalgic story, aiming to revive cherished traditions rather than questioning broader societal structures. The film relies heavily on conventional storytelling clichés commonly found in seasonal family dramas. It centers on a singular, heartwarming perspective that highlights family-centric values and the importance of the holiday season. Since the story is focused on preserving a particular cultural moment, it fails to explore the complexities of diverse identities or provide a wide range of character types beyond typical TV-movie standards.

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Category Breakdown

Does Christmas in the City have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The story revolves around a traditional mother-daughter bond and a typical holiday romance.

How does Christmas in the City portray gender?

Fair

Wendy is the main character who drives the plot and supports her family economically. However, the conflict in the story relies on traditional stereotypes, where a nurturing woman faces off against a villainous female boss.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Christmas in the City?

Limited

The movie presents a conventional Western holiday setting without any indication of a diverse cast. It seems to follow typical casting practices for this type of film.

How does Christmas in the City represent religion and culture?

Limited

The storyline upholds traditional Western holiday values and rituals. It focuses on preserving the 'true meaning of Christmas' by resisting modern commercial pressures.

Does Christmas in the City include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not mention any visible or hidden disabilities. None of the characters are shown to have physical, neurodivergent, or chronic health conditions.

Present on Screen

The film features a female protagonist who is the central economic and emotional support for her family.
It offers a clear, emotionally resonant narrative centered on maternal bonds and family preservation.

Limited or Absent

The story lacks LGBTQ+ representation and non-straight relationships.
The film follows typical casting practices and does not showcase racial or ethnic diversity.
The plot reinforces traditional cultural values instead of exploring a more inclusive worldview.

Official Synopsis

With the threat of having to close her father's candy store, Wendy and her six-year-old daughter Grace travel to the big city in hopes of making extra holiday cash to save the store. When she's offered a job in the toy department of Wolmans, the city's biggest department store, Wendy can't wait! Her excitement doesn't last long when the store's manager, Teanna, destroys the Christmas spirit throughout the store and replaces Santa with a hunky male underwear model surrounded by elfin "babes." What Teanna is unaware of is that she has in fact sacked the real Santa. Unaware of his real "Santa" status, Wendy reaches out to the old man but it seems even he has given up hope. With her daughter losing faith in the holiday, Wendy realizes she must bring the true meaning of Christmas back to Wolmans before it is too late.

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