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I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (NR)

common sense media says

Mild 2003 TV special best for big Peanuts fans.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the kids are wise beyond their years and sorta grumpy. They argue frequently, often ending disagreements with a bonk to the head. At the end, the kids perform a religious-themed recitation. Other than this, nothing terribly controversial happens.

Positive messages: Some characters are friendly to each other. Snoopy is a joyful dog and his energy is contagious. The characters are all seeking friendship, companionship, and fun. The intended message is that having a dog is a big responsibility, though that idea isn't strongly conveyed.
Positive role models: Charlie Brown is a decent kid, a good friend, and he tries to help his friends. But he doesn't play a big role in this movie. Little Rerun is a sweet optimistic boy, but he's constantly criticized by his mean older sister Lucy. The older characters can be pretty rude to each other, and Lucy's negativity is pronounced at times, including threats of cartoon violence.
Violence & scariness: Frequent hitting with objects. Characters often go flying out the door or across rooms after being struck by another character. One brief scene of Snoopy flying his dog house through explosions.
Sexy stuff: Lucy adores Schroeder and the feeling is not reciprocated. Schroeder insults Lucy and she gets frustrated with him.
Language: Characters call each other "stupid" and "blockhead" when upset.
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More on I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about hitting. Why do the characters in this movie hit each other? Is it OK to hit people in real life? What's the difference between the hitting in this movie and hitting in real life?
  • Talk about pets. What are some of the responsibilities of owning a pet? What are some of the fun things about having a pet?
  • Talk about Lucy and Schroeder. Why does Lucy like Schroeder even though he's mean to her? What would you do if you were in Lucy's situation?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Lucy and Linus's little brother Rerun desperately wants a dog for Christmas. His mother doesn't think he's responsible enough to have a dog. In the meantime, Rerun spends as much time as possible with Snoopy, a sometimes reluctant play-partner. In classic Peanuts tradition, Lucy courts the Beethoven-obsessed Schroeder, and Snoopy flies his dog house around in the sky. When Snoopy's brother Spike visits, Rerun hopes he will become his very own dog, but the wish proves elusive.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Unlike the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, this holiday film doesn't have a strong message. Without it, the movie seems mostly a collection of Peanuts tropes without anything special to offer. For series devotees, seeing the loveable and mischievous Snoopy fly his dog house around, or the crabby Lucy dress up like a nurse to plump up Snoopy's brother Spike, might be enough to stay entertained. For others, there are better introductions to the slightly depressed little boy named Charlie Brown.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Home Video
Director: Bill Melendez
Cast: Adam Taylor Gordon, Ashley Rose, Jimmy Bennett
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 41 minutes
DVD release: October 26, 2004
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
2
 
Amazing.
Amazing.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
Corrine1028
adult
8
 
For All Ages!
I love it!
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shrek31003
kid, 8 years old
2
 
wow
cool
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reveiwer123987
kid, 13 years old
2
 
great for all ages
I think that this is a great movie.
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jayman1004
kid, 11 years old
3
 
Rerun wants a dog, I want this on DVD.
Sure, guys, definitely NOT better than the original, but still VERY FUNNY!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
413804
adult
3
 
Not worth it
A very poor Charlie Brown special that doesn't even have Charlie Brown in it very much. Watch the original Charlie Brown Christmas
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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
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