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Elmo's Christmas Countdown (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

Star-studded holiday fun for the whole family.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that young Sesame Street fans will no doubt love this holiday special's story and age-appropriate pacing, while parents will appreciate the collective talent of the musical guests. Though there are few overt learning opportunities here, it's a worry-free way to enjoy some family-friendly holiday TV time with your kids.

Educational value: Kids learn lessons about working together, but it's more about entertainment than education.
Positive messages: Promotes teamwork and a positive attitude.
Positive role models: Elmo and his friends are positive and helpful, offering good role models to kids.
Violence & scariness: A couple of character collisions that don't result in injury (SuperGrover crash lands into Stiller the Elf, for example).
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Elmo's Christmas Countdown

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the holidays and the spirit of giving. Which characters help Stiller and Elmo recover the lost boxes? Did they ask for anything in return? Why not? Why does it make them feel so good to help out?
  • Kids: How do you help your friends and family? Do people make more of an effort to help others during the holidays? Why?
  • How does it feel to give someone a gift? How else can you show someone that you care?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In ELMO'S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN, the loss of a traditional magical object could spell disaster for the upcoming holiday, so it's up to Elmo and his friends to recover the pieces and save Christmas for everyone. The trouble starts when the 10 numbered boxes that make up Stiller the Elf's (voiced by Ben Stiller) tree-shaped Christmas Counter-Downer -- which ticks off time before the holiday arrives -- are scattered, and he all but gives up hope of the holiday coming at all. But for Elmo (Kevin Clash), nothing is impossible. With the help of his fairy-in-training sidekick Abby Cadabby (Leslie Carrara), Elmo sets out to recover the boxes and reassemble the Counter-Downer so Christmas can come on schedule.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While there's little outright educational quality to Elmo's Christmas Countdown, it's still a great choice to cuddle up in front of with your kids over the holidays. With fun original songs and memorable new spins on classic holiday tunes, it's sure to put kids in the Christmas spirit. And for grown-ups, cameos from personalities like newsman Charles Gibson and Sopranos stars Steve Schirippa and Tony Sirico -- who participate in a chuckle-worthy live-action scene starring roomies Ernie and Bert -- make it more fun than the average preschool DVD. Plus, special guests like Jennifer Hudson, Sheryl Crow, Anne Hathaway, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, and Jamie Foxx stop by to help out with the festivities.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Genius Entertainment
Director: Gary Halvorson
Cast: Ben Stiller, Kevin Clash, Leslie Carrara
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 60 minutes
Theatrical release: December 23, 2007
DVD release: October 14, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
2
 
Love it!!!
Most educational show I have ever seen! I watch it every December when it is time to get ready for Christmas.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
juliet7
parent of 3 year old
2
 
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solar_system_118
adult
 
better for age 4 and up
i like it but some crashs can make litte kids sad
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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