In Search of Santa
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that part of the plot of In Search of Santa involves a central debate over whether or not Santa Claus is real. Additionally, there are some mean-spirited adult characters who are a bit more emotionally caustic than may be appropriate for younger kids, as well as some sustained emotional and physical peril throughout the film. Some characters insult or taunt other characters in demeaning ways, telling them they are ugly, stupid, liars, greedy, or not good enough. A character tells her sister she hates her. An adult tells a child she is an insufferable brat.
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What's the Story?
Princess penguin sisters Crystal (voiced by Hilary Duff) and Lucinda (voiced by older sister Haylie Duff) hit the ice to prove Santa is real, dodging wild animals, pirates, and the open sea on the road. Along the way, they will discover just what it means to truly believe.
Is It Any Good?
With 2004-era CGI that looks like a cheap video game, this penguin-populated Santa tale looks dated and drags a bit. With its handful of characters who are a bit too mean-spirited and sisters who remain rivals for the better part of the film, it may be a bit harsh for younger kids.
That said, kids may enjoy the pure spectacle of the tale: animated penguins, ice adventures, and the anticipation of Santa. But parents will want to monitor reactions to those harsh insults, and otherwise may need a bit of patience to sit through this poor-quality, convoluted story that mish-mashes pirates, penguins, and Santa in one sloppy mess.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about beliefs. Do you celebrate Christmas or believe in Santa? What rituals and beliefs are part of your family?
Have you ever had someone not believe you? What did it feel like? Were you able to convince them you were telling the truth?
Do you have siblings? Do you ever not get along? How do you fix things and make them better?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 23, 2004
- Cast: Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff, Kathleen Barr
- Director: William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Holidays
- Run time: 80 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 10, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Miracle on 34th Street
Classic holiday movie for the whole family.
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The Muppet Christmas Carol
A gentle, fuzzy version of the Dickens classic.
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The Polar Express
Book-based treat is full of adventure and positive messages.
For kids who love the holidays
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