Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas (2021) User Reviews

Could have been, Should have been

[markymnstr · 7/10 · 2 December 2021]

First, let me say Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is one of my favorite shows on TV. With that said, to me, the simple question is, does this Zoey Christmas movie stand on its own outside of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist universe? And the answer is probably not.

There are some high points (Clark family rendition of Wish You Were Here) at the Christmas dinner table, but unfortunately they were outweighed by too many forced scenes that felt, well, forced!

Add, this is Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist AND it's a Christmas movie!-where's the magic? Where's that heart soaring, soul tingling magic moment we all expect? Should have been, could have been that black and white Zoey and Dad dance at the Christmas tree lot, but they dipped in that well already (and much more successfully) so for me that felt insincere and kind of shallow.

All in all, moderately entertaining, but in no way on the same level as the series. Still, hope and pray they find a way to bring this normally uplifting, magical show back on the air. They've earned it and we the fans deserve it. It's that special.

Welcome back Zoey and gang!

[laurieannebaker · 8/10 · 2 December 2021]

I was super excited when I found out there was going to be a Christmas movie, especially since I was so disappointed after finding out the show was canceled.

To be honest most of the time this plays more like a cheesy Christmas movie than something out of the Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist universe. Still very enjoyable just not quite the quality you would see in a regular Zoey episode.

Sweet emotional movie, often times hard to watch as this is my first Christmas since my own father's passing.

Thank you Roku for picking up where NBC left off. Hope to see more of Zoey and the gang in the future.

Not quite Extraordinary, but really good

[blott2319-1 · 8/10 · 26 December 2021]

If you haven't watched the series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist there simply is no reason to sit through Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas. It's a movie that builds on things you already know about the characters from the TV show, but if you liked the show then this is basically a must-watch. I love how the creative team behind this show/movie spends time working on matching songs to the moments and then choreographing great dance numbers to accompany them. It's the kind of thing you only see on stage nowadays, but I wish movie musicals would get back to the big toe-tapping numbers with great dancers. In fact, one of my biggest disappointments with Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas is the fact that they didn't close the movie with a big musical number with the whole cast despite the fact that they were all gathered together and could have shared one.

What truly sets Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas apart from all the other Christmas films out there, is exactly the same thing that I felt made the show special. This film caters to those who might be having a harder time at the holidays. It shows how complex grief can be, and how it can affect the way we feel around festive times of the year. Yet at the same time it still manages to be joyful and celebrate family. There were some of the subplots that got short shrift, and could have used more attention. If this were part of the show each of these little stories would probably get their own episode, but here they get minor screen-time only so we see all the familiar characters for a moment before getting back to Zoey's story. A bit more cleaning up of the plot would have been great, and a few more big bold choreographed numbers as well, but I still found enough to love that I could see myself watching Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas again in future years.

I Think I Have A New Favorite Christmas Movie

[catapultrk · 10/10 · 1 December 2021]

It told an awesome Xmas story while continuing some crucial storylines from the season 2 finale. The songs were extremely relevant to the mood being conveyed at the time and Alex Newell may be the best pure singer on earth at this moment.

We NEED a 3rd season, Roku!!!

Not the best but ok

[drpainters · 7/10 · 19 December 2021]

It wasn't one of the stronger episodes and the song/dance numbers didn't top any of the best. But it was a nice addition to the series and good to have at Christmas time. This would be a good way to go forward with the series doing Valentine's Day, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and any other holiday or event specials. Can move forward in time and advance story as needed. Like psych has been doing with their movies.

Roku! I beg of you please save this show!

[simphoniebennett · 10/10 · 3 December 2021]

Please please PLEEEEEEASEEEEEEE save Zoey's it's the most perfect show and this movie was such an adorable addition to it! Please renew it! And all the other people checking the reviews please review the same so maybe roku will see these and save it! Everything about this show just brings a smile to my face. And now with max having the same powers even more hilarious hijinxs are now unfolding! And I can't get enough!

Jane Levy gets to cut loose!

[psilver1 · 7/10 · 4 December 2022]

I assumed watching the first two seasons that they cast Jane Levy as the lead because she was good for the part, but also because she wasn't as strong of a dancer. Boy was i wrong! The creators missed the boat forcing Jane to basically watch everyone else sing and dance, because when she finally got to shake her thing for the camera, my wife and I were completely entertained. We loved Zoey's aggressive, angry holiday jingles! Sadly there were only about two in this episode. We demand you give the power to Mary Steenburgen, who is a great actor, but a very poor singer/dancer for this show. This way she can watch while Zoey does her attack dancing!

WE WANT MORE ZOERY DANCE MOMENTS!

Loved it!

[julie-130-418956 · 10/10 · 3 December 2021]

I loved the series and was a little skeptical that the movie would hold up but it did! Really cute Christmas flick with the same unique charm that the series had. I really hope someone picks it up again! I am really surprised it was cancelled so soon, it never lost steam!

Cheesy fun

[mplovefilm · 7/10 · 5 January 2022]

...but I guess that's ok for a Christmas special. The only thing off is the Mo character, always a shrill bully, their storylines just don't fit to the tone of the other characters.

Painful

[jenzilla-50732 · 2/10 · 6 December 2021]

I adored the original series so much I was rewatching all of it before the movie came out. But the movie? It's off in so many ways it's unbearable. The script is campy, the acting is stiff, the lighting is dreadful, the makeup makes everyone look old and tired, the musical numbers are weird in a unflattering way, Max having super powers is seriously forced, and the barrage of over-the-top facial expressions...my god. Pour yourself a stiff drink if you still want to watch this.

Heartwarming Christmas Movie!!

[Jessiepen147 · 10/10 · 3 December 2021]

Love the show, loved this movie! It would be a shame to end the series after this movie because everything about this show is amazing. It really makes me feel warm and happy to see Max and Zoey blossom further and her dealing with Christmas without her dad. Roku really needs to save this show and give us a season 3. The music and choreo is brilliant, as is the story and acting. If this show isnt renewed, give us more of these movie specials. It's too early to say goodbye to Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist!!!

Story is decent; lip-syncing is weird

[drnin · 6/10 · 4 December 2021]

The story line is alright. It has a cute Christmas holiday plot. The acting is decent. You can tell that the actors are not actually singing because the timing is off on the music to visuals. The lip syncing is just plain weird. Its hard not to focus on it while the songs are being sung. They needed more editing or practice on the songs.

Depressive and too long

[brentmfairchild · 3/10 · 16 December 2023]

After about an hour into this thing all I was thinking is, when is this going to end? It starts off entertaining enough but drags when all she does is go on and on about her dead dad. She comes off more as a child than a grown woman.

The movie feels like somone had 3 different stories they wanted to tell and just slapped them all into one. Entire plot lines start and have no ending to them, creating this utter lack of closure.

The whole story could have been told in 45 minutes if they just did away with all the fluff. You only think it's a better show than it is due to all the musical numbers, which are done pretty well and very entertaining on their own.

I don't think I would ever intentionally watch this again.

Great Addition to an extraordinary series

[ccoe · 10/10 · 3 December 2021]

I was sad when Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist disappeared. And now it is back as a Christmas movie! The keyword for this movie is extraordinary. It perfectly describes the acting, singing and choreography. Loved it!

It's Truly a Wonderful Life

[bigbird-tv · 9/10 · 4 December 2021]

How did we not take the cause a scream when the show was cancelled! This is a great Christmas movie. Just a pleasure to watch. The variety of song chosen! The dance numbers!! You just can't go wrong.

So good! This show deserves to be on the air!

[rebmarliz · 10/10 · 4 December 2021]

I laughed so hard with this movie. Although short it created a new beloved movie to watch every holiday. So glad we got to continue the journey even if it's for just a little while longer. Please keep it going.

Unwatchable

[mjtayar · 2/10 · 26 June 2022]

I tolerated Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist because I like a song and dance number. This Christmas movie is absolutely terrible. Zoey is so unlikable and selfish. The acting has somehow got worse like Zoey regressing to a bratty child. Somehow they have even made lovely Max rude and unlikeable while Mo goes from sassy to disgustingly aggressive. I couldn't even watch it until the end but I hope all of these characters redeemed themselves somehow.

Loved the movie!

[jelenat · 10/10 · 2 December 2021]

This wrapped up many things from the cliffhanger the show ended on, but there is so much more story to tell. I hope they get a 3rd season and more. Just don't wait too long and lose this extraordinary cast! #saveZoeysplaylist.

Disappointing

[kschles-67905 · 5/10 · 11 December 2021]

I loved the original series. The whole concept was inventive. Some of the musical numbers were amazing. The story lines interesting and fun, and at times emotional.

The storyline of this special was so obvious and predictable that watching it was kind of boring. Some of the numbers were OK, but most were forgettable. The characters and actors we have come to love deserve better. An exception was the black and white version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. That was a keeper.

If I could give this 100 out of 10.... I WOULD! I cried five times!!

[bhirschhoab · 10/10 · 4 December 2021]

There are absolutely no words to describe how happy this movie made me feel! It was absolutely magnificent and beautiful and held the same heart and power that Zoeys extraordinary playlist always delivered on every episode! This felt like every Christmas movie combined with the new tones and plot lines that absolutely fit the continuation of the series. This gave me so much closure! When Zoe's extraordinary playlist was canceled, i'm not ashamed to admit that I fell dark. I was in despair and anger! I found so much comfort in the show, especially during the season one finale when Mitch died because I've lost a loved one close to me too, like a lot of people did, And the show taught me that they are always with you all you have to do is LISTEN And remember! I want to thank the creator of the show I want to thank the creator of the show, the cast and my fellow fans for making this happen, Because it made me so happy and filled me with so much joy (especially around this time because it's the holidays). I absolutely want the series to continue but if for some reason it doesn't, I got enough closure I needed with this festive and heartfelt Christmas movie! I got enough closure I needed with this festive and heartfelt Christmas movie! Before anyone hates on this movie for it been too long Before anyone hates on this movie for it been too long or anything else, Think about the meaning behind the show in the movie and ask yourself if that Think about the meaning behind the show in the movie and ask yourself if they talk about Problems in your life that can make you feel better about! WATCH THIS!

Merry Christmas to all! They finally made a great holiday film.

[jamesmccormack · 10/10 · 15 December 2021]

The cast.

The music.

The story line.

The production values.

All practically perfect in every way. God blass you ROKU for this frothy delight. The last 15 minutes will having you crying happy tears.

I never saw the original TV series. I only hope it was as good as the movie.

A Christmas special turning into a real Zoey's episode

[reprisecompilation · 10/10 · 2 December 2021]

First of all, I do love the whole series and I sincerely hope it'll go on, hopefully as it used to be.

This Christmas closing/renewal/condensed season 3 has two halves: the first feels rushed, too quick and too overdone. The second one is like watching a totally different movie and basically that's what made me love the characters, the pace, the ideas. Depth, more grounded reality come to play.

It's just too many ideas packed into one, maybe because of the uncertainty of the show's future.

Luckily, the actors are still fantastic, Peter Gallagher is in his own league here.

So, being said, just bear with it, it gets to be a real Zoey's episode by the end and that worths everything.

And for the creators, producers: just keep this whole world open for all of us. It's a good escape.

Just make another season pls.

[sfeta-48952 · 5/10 · 3 December 2021]

I am a big fan of the show, however, this was just a way too long episode of the regular show. It may have even been good at the normal runtime rather than drawing out this plot over a feature length movie.

I am a big fan of the series but I can't help but feel that because this is a direct continuation of the last season, it has tainted what the series could have been if it were to continue. Should another season be made, this would be a serious hurdle in terms of how rewatchable it is.

More please

[helmholtzwatsonaplus · 10/10 · 2 December 2021]

This was such an unexpected treat after the equally unexpected cancellation. I love the show and this movie and I just hope Roku will keep this extraordinary show alive.

Oh, deer (lol it's a pun)

[vblack2013 · 1/10 · 3 December 2021]

Look, I loved Zoey since the premiere, and I was so excited for this movie, especially because I loved at least the end of the second season of the show. But... this took all the worst parts of the show and took it to the extreme. I completely understand the grieving process, having gone through it multiple times myself, but overall there was just not one plot line i enjoyed in this movie except maybe with emily and david. But all in all, this movie was SUCH. A. DOWNER. Like... it's a christmas movie, shouldn't I feel at least a little bit happy at all during it??? At all???