 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Review Date: October 7, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
The Peanuts gang in a classic Christmas special.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this heartwarming classic focuses on the religious aspect of Christmas. At the story's climax, Linus quotes one of the nativity stories from the New Testament and the Peanuts characters join in singing religious carols.
What's the story?
Depressed by the Christmas season because it's so commercial, Charlie Brown cheers up when Lucy asks him to direct the holiday pageant. But the bossy Lucy doesn't allow him to do much directing and sends Charlie off to buy an aluminum Christmas tree. Instead, he's drawn to a sad little fir tree, which everyone mocks. Linus makes a speech about the true meaning of Christmas; moved by his words, the Peanuts gang then transforms the little tree by adding beautiful decorations, and Charlie Brown finally celebrates a merry Christmas.
Is it any good?
Charlie Brown discovers the true meaning of Christmas when he buys a forlorn little tree. A CHARLIE BORWN CHRISTMAS communicates a timeless message brimming with holiday spirit. The first of Charles Schultz's television specials based on his long-running comic strip, this episode set the standard for those that followed. Simple drawings, a gently meandering story, Schultz's beloved characters, and Vince Guaraldi's lively musical score combine to make this something the entire family will want to watch every year.
The image of the pathetic but endearing Christmas tree, unable to support even one decoration, cleverly parallels the Charlie Brown character. That sad fir springing to life at the end, as Charlie's melancholy dissipates, resonates with young and old alike. Filled with humor, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is a wonderful antidote to the holiday blues.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's message. Does the true meaning of Christmas get lost in materialism?
Can you think of real world examples of how that is true?
How could you work against that -- either in your family or in society?
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AGE
A Charlie Brown Christmas Rocks!!!!!
I will always loves this movie/dvd!
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AGE
Mostly a winner
My son is sensitive and was upset when Snoopy takes Linus' blanket in the beginning. We fast-forwarded through that from then on. Also, "stupid" is said by some of the characters. We aren't fans of that word.
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AGE
Perfecto, classic!
This is exactly what my family needed-all the great morals in Christmas. I love it because it's funny and heartwarming. My notes-we watch it every Christmas-it's a classic in our house! It sends great messages to kids! Plus, at Christmastime, they'll gladly sit down and watch it-unlike other movies, you know how kids are-mostly because of Snoopy-Charlie Brown's dog!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 23, 2010
AGE
not anything someone over 3 could not use but one use of blockhead
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AGE
Watched and Loved Every Year
We watch it every Christmas, and my kids love it. What I like about it is how, even though Charlie Brown is much put upon (and yes, called "stupid" and "blockhead"), ultimately the true Christmas Spirit wins out, and all those who were cruel are, at least for the moment, kind hearted. My kids were never upset by some of the things that were said, or by Snoopy taking Linus's blanket, because it was all resolved so quickly. Linus even one ups Snoopy!
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AGE
Lucy can be a little scary for some kids...
I love this movie, but the other reviewers are correct in pointing out the over-use of the word "stupid" by Lucy on many occasions. We have taught our daughter that some words can be hurtful toward others; "stupid" being one of them... she refuses to watch this unless we promise to fast-forward through these parts. Otherwise -- it's a masterpiece.
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AGE
Not for 3 year olds. Wait until first grade.
I remember this movie fondly, but when we went to watch it and heard language like "stupid" and "blockhead", and at some point a threat to beat up Charlie Brown, we immediately turned it off. I'd say this is so not appropriate for a 3 yr old--we're waiting until 6!
(The one star is for this movie at age 3; for older kids the message is great).
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| Topics: | friendship, holidays |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Bill Melendez |
| Cast: | Bill Melendez, Peter Robbins, Sally Dryer |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 30 minutes |
| DVD release date: | September 12, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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