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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 2, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Halloween isn't complete without this classic.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships, friendship
updated 09.21.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Sticking to your beliefs no matter what others may think.
  • Role models:

    For all of Lucy's outward disapproval of her brother, Linus, and his silly Great Pumpkin, she asks for extra candy for him and wakes up in the middle of the night to fetch him from the pumpkin patch and put him to bed.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    When Snoopy pretends he's a WWI flying ace atop his dog house, shadows of bullets fly by with sound effects, and he makes gun motions with his front paws. His dog house also goes down behind enemy lines. The opening sequence shows the kids dressed up as ghosts running from skeletons and specters.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Very mild. Lucy's lips touch dog lips -- very unintentionally. Sally tells Linus "If you hold my hand, I'll slug you."
  • Language:

    Lots of Charlie Brown-speak: "stupid," "blockhead," and "good grief!"
  • Consumerism:

    No brand-name Halloween candy.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Parents need to know that this Peanuts classic appeals to all ages. It promotes many favorite American Halloween traditions like trick-or-treating and apple bobbing, not to mention the infamous Great Pumpkin (who must have missed Linus' pumpkin patch somehow). When Snoopy dresses up as a WWI flying ace, he hams it up during a pretend battle atop his dog house -- complete with flying bullets. Some of the Halloween imagery (ghosts, skeletons) may alarm the very youngest viewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what their favorite Halloween traditions are. Have you ever tried apple bobbing? Do you like carving pumpkins? If you could hand out something extra special at Halloween, what would it be?
  • Families can also talk about how Snoopy took his Halloween costume so seriously -- and just how funny it is to see him flying his dog house. When you put on your costume, will you get into character? Why or why not?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 3.0

    It's a classic that it can be passed through generations.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    loved it

    I think this is the best classic movie ever made in the history of classics! This show is definitely for everyone of all ages!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Arkansas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Am I the first one to review this?

    Five words: Nothing here is an Issue. Charlie Brown specials are instant classics and were before they premiered. Its just good clean entertainment.

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