The brothers fight, the band ends – and so, in short, the story of the Jonas Brothers ended in 2013. They wouldn’t get back together for another six years. It is precisely this tension that Disney’s “A Very Jonas Brothers Christmas” recaptures by blending fantasy and reality.
Released only on November 14 via streaming, the film has a typical “afternoon session” vibe and shows the brothers playing versions of themselves alongside their parents, wives and daughters. Based on this dynamic, the narrative approaches the conflicts that have characterized the trio’s path.
In the plot, they are trying to leave London for New York to spend Christmas with their family. On the way, they encounter a series of obstacles, and while trying to reach their destination, they also try to re-establish their connection, not just as a band, but as brothers.
“We realized that we needed separate time to evaluate what we lived together and remember where the connection lies in being brothers, maintaining these relationships and creating memories outside of work,” Joe explains about the breakup of the group in 2013, in a conversation with journalists via video conference alongside the brothers.
He says the breakup has something similar to the movie. “We see our characters going through this journey together, seeing each other in a different way, being supportive and understanding that some of the things we went through got us to where we are now,” Joe says.
The film also features recurring jokes about them, such as the idea that Kevin sings less in the band. In the story, he tries to confess to his brothers that he wants to have a solo song.
“It’s good not to take yourself too seriously. I personally enjoyed playing an exaggerated version of myself. It’s fun to explore your brotherly side. Sometimes that involves joking with each other or having some fun,” says Kevin, who days after his debut released his first single “Changing”, which maintains the group’s typical light pop sound.
With Christmas musical numbers throughout the film, some fans even compared it to the “Jonas” series, which ran for two seasons, as if the characters were adult versions of the teenage characters they played on the Disney Channel.
“The writers managed to capture some of the nostalgia that some fans might feel when watching our TV shows back in the day. The sibling rivalry and the humor that we were able to explore with each other,” says Joe.
This return to Disney also resumes the partnership that defined the 2000s, when the studio cemented the trio with the “Jonas” series and an appearance in “Hannah Montana.”
Now, rocked by that wave of nostalgia, the brothers are on tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their career and have announced the recording of “Camp Rock 3.” They even invited singer Demi Lovato to perform “This Is Me,” a classic song from the first “Camp Rock.”