A Paw Patrol Christmas
When Santa falls ill and Christmas is cancelled, the PAW Patrol pups must spring into action to stop Mayor Humdinger from swooping all the gifts at the North Pole and bring the cheer back to Adventure Bay.
DIRECTOR
Cal Brunker (PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie)
ACTORS
1h 07m • Rated G • Animated, Family • USA
voiced by Chris Rock • Adam DeVine • Marsai Martin • Yara Shahidi • Kim Kardashian West
The island setting, the modest production, and the humor that often arises from character rather than contrivance work together to keep the film from ever feeling flat. On the flip side, a few feel the pacing is uneven, or that the secondary characters don’t always land. Still, even these criticisms tend to be soft and in the service of a film that is more heartwarming than perfect.
Overall, the consensus sees The Ballad of Wallis Island as a warm, wistful, and soul-soothing film—modest in scope but rich in feeling. It’s not trying to dazzle, but it digs in where it matters: loss, memory, music, human connection. For many, it’s one of the more emotionally satisfying films of 2025.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a quietly charming British comedy-drama directed by James Griffiths, written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, alongside Carey Mulligan. The story centers on Charles, a lonely lottery winner living on a remote Welsh island, who invites his favorite folk duo—Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer—to reunite for a private performance. His motive isn’t just fandom; there are unresolved heartbreaks, nostalgia, and grief behind his idealistic gesture.
Critics are largely enamored with the film’s balance of humor and melancholy. Tim Key’s performance as Charles is praised for being endearingly awkward, verbose, and heart-on-sleeve, often using verbal wit to stave off silence. Basden as Herb, and Mulligan as Nell, deliver subtle, emotionally resonant performances, especially when the old romantic and artistic tensions surface—and you begin to feel what’s been lost, as well as what hope might remain. The original music is another highlight; the songs feel lived in, and the film uses them not as spectacle, but as emotional anchors.
Some reviewers point out that the premise is familiar—a fan’s devotee, reunited artists, romantic regrets—but argue that the execution elevates it.
CRITICS ROUNDUP
Some reviewers note there’s nothing especially new or daring here; the pacing is simple and the story straightforward. But for its target audience—preschoolers and early elementary viewers—the consensus is overwhelmingly positive: A Paw Patrol Christmas delivers exactly what it promises. Light, fun, and holiday-bright, it’s a safe bet for young children and families looking for a festive outing that’s sweet, safe, and satisfying.
CRITICS ROUNDUP
A joyful, rescue-filled festive treat for little ones.
The latest outing from the beloved pups, A Paw Patrol Christmas, sees Santa Claus fall ill and holiday spirits hang in the balance when Mayor Humdinger steals all the presents—leaving Adventure Bay’s youngest heroes to save Christmas.
Critics say the film is everything its young audience could hope for: bright colours, cheerful action, and the kind of predictable but comforting “team solves problem” storyline that works perfectly for a family holiday outing. Children delighted in the adventure, and parents appreciated how the film sticks to the familiar strengths of the franchise—teamwork, kindness, rescue missions—without over-reaching.