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Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh

(2008, Rated G, Comedy, Starring Drake Bell, Josh Peck, Miranda Cosgrove)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Stepbrothers' hijinks are jolly -- just not very realistic.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The teens have no adult supervision and are left to fend for themselves as they're hauled off to jail, stand trial, and get harassed by a vindictive parole officer. Well-intentioned Josh is often the brunt of jokes for his level-headedness and sense of responsibility, and he often winds up the scapegoat for Drake's misguided plans. The guys suffer little consequence for irresponsible (and unrealistic) behavior like not wearing seatbelts, driving erratically, and giving a chimpanzee as a gift.
  • Violence:

    Drake and Josh often slap each other around during their typical sibling arguments, but it's all in good humor and never leads to injury. Other painful content is exaggerated for humor as well, including a fall from a building, a handful of head traumas, and a boy's victimization by a violent monkey, who scratches, hits, and urinates on him.
  • Sex:

    Ladies' man Drake exchanges passionate kisses with two different girls and in one scene is chased through a shopping mall by another would-be romantic interest. At one point the teens are roughed up by a group of thugs who steal their clothes, forcing them to walk home nude (though nothing's shown below the chest).

  • Language:

    Megan often calls her brothers "boobs" when they make her angry.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh

Parents need to know that some young viewers who watch this made-for-TV holiday movie starring the cast of Nickelodeon's hit series Drake & Josh may need a reality check afterward. Older tweens will understand the fantasy nature of what they see, but littler kids may need a few reminders about responsible teen behavior. As in the sitcom, responsible Josh repeatedly falls victim to his impulsive stepbrother's antics, and while the situations are always spun for laughs, this time Josh lands in federal prison -- and both teens wind up in court. Felonies aside, even some of the guys' everyday actions are pretty iffy, including driving erratically, not wearing seatbelts, and lying to make their sister help them evade a parole officer. Predictably, none of this behavior results in any relatable, lasting consequences. But at least there's no swearing, drinking, or sex (other than a couple of kisses), either!

Read our full review by Emily Ashby

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media portrays teens. Do you think this movie gives an accurate impression of teen life? Why or why not? How are Drake and Josh's circumstances different from yours? How are they the same? Do you think the media tends to stereotype teen roles? What other shows do you watch with teen characters? How do their actions compare to Drake and Josh's? Do you find any to be more believable than others? Which ones?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    great movie

    Great movie i like it!!!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    good movie

    I thought it was a good movie and it was funny but also it was a great family movie it got a little on the boring side for a couple of scenes but it was alright in the end

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    it is ok

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    This Movie Is Awsoume

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    funny and entertaining

    its really funny and never gets old. the story makes you want to keep watching it. its just really good!!! and drake bell is amazing!!!

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    a must see movie

    i loved this movie it was the best drake and josh movie ever made

  7. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    AWESOME

    This is awesome! I love this movie! It is the best you got to see it! go to grantt.trigcola.com to see the full review

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0

    Good family fun, but TV rating is deceiving

    The movie was actually rated TV-G, yet it still had objectionable content that would've warranted a higher rating. This mainly included sexual content and language; violence was cartoonish and exaggerated, but still present. But that doesn't take away from the fun of the movie at all. I agree with Common Sense: if you don't like the corny plot, change the channel; but if you like the show, you will love the movie. I, for one, enjoyed the movie (though it was somewhat corny and silly). Regarding the TV rating, it should have been rated TV-PG-L.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Awesome

    This is the best thing Drake and Josh has ever done.

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