A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Kermit and friends deliver a cheery holiday tale.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this holiday special starring Jim Henson's beloved characters will delight the whole family. The story includes strong positive messages about dependability, friendship, understanding, and respecting others' feelings. There's no iffy content whatsoever, and the heartwarming tale will surely fill viewers with holiday cheer.

  • No specific educational content, but kids will learn some great lessons.
  • The story has positive messages of friendship, loyalty, respect, and spreading joy.
  • The Muppets always listen to their hearts and follow through on what they believe is right, even if they sometimes get sidetracked on the way.
  • In one scene, the Muppets fall an impossible distance from the wing of an airplane -- but land safely in the snow. One comment about a postal worker "going postal," but it's meant as a joke.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • The Muppets are at the center of an extensive line of merchandise (clothing, toys, games) and other TV shows and specials, but there's no hint of marketing in the show itself.

What's the story?

It's Christmas Eve, and Muppet friends Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson), Fozzie Bear (also Jacobson), and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) are finishing up their errands before heading off on a Caribbean vacation. When Gonzo's curiosity causes mayhem at the post office, he mistakenly leaves with some letters addressed to Santa, including one from his young neighbor, Claire (Madison Pettis). Determined to follow through on his promise to mail them for her, Gonzo persuades his friends to forego their vacation and instead set out for the North Pole to deliver the letters directly to Santa. Not surprisingly their journey is fraught with mishaps -- but with holiday magic to back them up, they discover the true spirit of Christmas.


Is it any good?

 

A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA is as fulfilling to the holiday spirit as Christmas dinner is to the holiday appetite. Few other stuffed stars can rival the Muppets' unique blend of comedy, adventure, and musical accomplishment, and this special weaves themes like loyalty, friendship, and good will into a delightful, tune-filled tale that the entire family can enjoy together.

While the story is clearly geared toward kids, adults in particular will get a kick out of seeing celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Sopranos heavies Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa -- who make mobsters seem as cuddly as the Muppets themselves -- try to keep pace with their cushiony costars. Whether you grew up with the Muppets or this is your (or your kids') first time meeting them, you'll be enchanted from start to finish by this heartwarming holiday tale.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why the Muppets have been so popular for so long. Do you enjoy the Muppets' adventures? Why or why not?

  • Why do you think these characters still appeal to viewers decades after
    their debut? What is it that makes them appealing to both adults and
    kids?

  • What other Muppet movies have you seen? How did this one compare
    to those? How have the Muppets changed over the years? Can you think of
    any other characters that have enjoyed similar popularity with fans?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Parent of 5 year old
December 15, 2009
 
NICE
GOOOD

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 4 year old
December 15, 2009
 
Perfect for kids who don't understand of what's Christmas is all about...
My family love it a lot! Great positive thinkings for the kids. I don't mind to buy more of great movies such as this one...

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Parent of 4 year old
December 24, 2009
 
perfect for little ones

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Parent of 2 year old
December 14, 2009
 
Great for any age group
It was a GREAT movie!My child and I LOVED it!!!

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Emily Ashby
Topics:holidays, music and sing-along, puppets
Studio:Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director:Kirk Thatcher
Cast:Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Steve Whitmire
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:60 minutes
Theatrical release date:December 17, 2008
DVD release date:September 28, 2009
MPAA rating:G
MPAA explanation:NR

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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