 | 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. |
I'll Be Home for Christmas
- Review Date: September 20, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 1998
Common Sense Media says
Jon Taylor Thomas' yule tale charming for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character helps athletes cheat on an important exam and lies to get out of sticky situations (though he redeems himself later).
What's the story?
Wisecracking college freshman Jake (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) has refused to go home since his dad remarried after his mother's death. But he changes his tune when his father says he'll give Jake his treasured Porsche if he gets home by Christmas Eve. Allie (Jessica Biel), Jake's girlfriend, is delighted because they get to travel home together. Plans change when Jake gets into trouble helping some football players cheat on an exam. Pretty soon, he ends up dumped in the desert dressed in a Santa Claus suit while Allie hitches a ride home with Eddie, Jake's sworn enemy. Jake is determined to get to New York. Still dressed as Santa, he makes his way across the country, fast-talking his way out of every sticky situation. As he travels, he begins to realize the importance of friends and family. By the time he gets home, he doesn't even care about the Porsche.
Is it any good?
It's hard to find a Christmas movie for younger teens that isn't too corny or childish. I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS may fit the bill, since it combines sentiment with age-appropriate humor. Adults may find this holiday story dull, but teens will probably enjoy Jonathan Taylor Thomas and his con man persona. Thomas is a surprisingly skilled actor, and makes his character's transformation from self-absorption to sensitivity believable and appealing. As Allie, Jessica Biel is refreshingly real, too. Allie isn't afraid to speak her mind; she tells Jake what she thinks of his bad behavior.
Although the story has no real surprises, it's kept afloat by Jake's rakish ingenuity. He's at his best when he's forced to dispense "hot" appliances to tiny tots, or when he helps a shy cop win back his estranged wife. Each episode along the way teaches Jake a lesson about being honest and helping others, and by the end of his journey, he drops the con man pose and lets his real self come through.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the popularity of Christmas movies. Compare and contrast it with other titles, such as It's a Wonderful Life, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas or A Charlie Brown Christmas. Do you see any common themes? Why do you think there are so many Christmas films and so few dealing with other major religious holidays, such as Ramadan or Passover?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
good
really funny movie
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Teen, 13 years old
December 15, 2009
AGE
Unsuitable for young children.
This is a great movie, but it contains some suggestive situations including an un-married 18 year old male and female in bed (no s--), very infrequent s--ual humor, and some mild language. This movie is not suitable for young children, but it is a great movie for older kids.
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Parent of 12 year old
December 9, 2011
AGE
love it!
Great xmas movie and i totally apporve oh love it and JTT so cute!
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Teen, 16 years old
November 25, 2011
AGE
Family/friends movie to watch
I watched this movie when we had a sub one day and I loved it. I found it funny but could also have romance in it, but not a bad romance! (No, not Lady Gaga, lol) Overall, I liked it!
Go watch! Great for family and/or friends.
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Educator
November 13, 2011
AGE
An Inspiring diseny movie!
this is a sweet Xmas movie the rating is so perfect so is Jonathon Talyor Thoams as Jake a college student trying his best to get home for Xmas and i think the movie is perfect for anybody kids teens tweens heck even adults yes i did notic the film had some mild lanuage but come on its still a great diseny movie and thats all that matters and i truly love it! a true inspiring Xmas movie for everybody!!! love it!
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| Topics: | adventures, holidays |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Arlene Sanford |
| Cast: | Adam LaVorgna, Jessica Biel, Jonathan Taylor Thomas |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 86 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 13, 1998 |
| DVD release date: | September 2, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | Parental Guidance Suggested |
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