8-Bit Christmas

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Winslow Fegley as Young Jake Doyle
  • Neil Patrick Harris as Adult Jake Doyle
• Sophia Reid-Gantzert as Annie Doyle, Jake’s daughter
• June Diane Raphael as Kathy Doyle, Jake’s mother
• Steve Zahn as John Doyle, Jake’s father
• Bellaluna Resnick as Lizzy Doyle, Jake’s sister
• Che Tafari as Mikey Trotter, one of young Jake’s friends
• Santino Barnard as Evan Olsen, one of young Jake’s friends who is allergic to bees and SpaghettiOs
• Max Malas as Jeff Farmer, a kid in Jake’s circle but not one of his friends and a pathological liar
• Brielle Rankins as Tammy Hodges, one of young Jake’s friends who collects baseball cards, she is also Teddy’s twin sister
• Cyrus Arnold as Josh Jagorski, an oversized school bully
• Braelyn Rankins as Teddy Hodges, one of young Jake’s friends and Tammy’s twin brother
• Chandler Dean as Timmy Keane, a narcissistic rich kid who owns a Nintendo (NES) system and likes showing-off
• Katia Smith as Tiffany Keane, Timmy’s sister
• Jacob Laval as Connor Stump
• Tom Rooney as Dr. Timothy Keane Sr., Timmy’s father who is an anti-video game advocate
• David Cross as Dealer

Storyline:

In 1980s Chicago, a 10-year-old sets out on a quest to get the Christmas gift of his generation: the latest and greatest video-game system.

About 8-Bit Christmas Movie:

8-Bit Christmas is an American Christmas comedy film directed by Michael Dowse, featuring a screenplay by Kevin Jakubowski, adapted from his novel of the same name. The film stars Neil Patrick Harris as the adult Jake Doyle, alongside Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael, David Cross, and Steve Zahn. It premiered on HBO Max on November 24, 2021, and received generally favorable reviews from critics.

Set in suburban Chicago during the late 1980s, the story follows ten-year-old Jake Doyle (Fegley) on his quest to obtain a Nintendo Entertainment System, the must-have gift of the era. The narrative is framed by present-day scenes where adult Jake recounts his childhood adventures to his daughter, who is eager for her own modern tech gift—a cell phone. This storytelling approach adds a layer of nostalgia and humor as Jake navigates various challenges with his friends to secure the coveted gaming console.

The film has been noted for its blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, appealing particularly to viewers who grew up in the ’80s. Critics have described it as a charming homage to childhood desires and holiday spirit, although some pointed out its reliance on familiar tropes typical of family comedies. Overall, 8-Bit Christmas has been recognized for its lightheartedness and nostalgic charm, making it a suitable choice for family viewing during the holiday season.