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Prep & Landing (G)

common sense media says

Clever holiday story is merry fun for the whole family.

parents & educators say
  • 75% say there are positive messages
  • 50% say there are positive role models
See all 13 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this delightful holiday tale blends a unique story with clever humor and kid-friendly content, making it an excellent choice for the entire family. There's very little in the way of iffy stuff, the imaginative concept of elves preparing homes for Santa's arrival will have give kids lots to ponder as Christmas nears, and there are plenty of adult-geared references to keep parents chuckling. In typical Disney fashion, all of this entertaining content is wrapped up in positive messages about perseverance, unselfishness, and self-worth.

Educational value: The special is intended to entertain rather than educate.
Positive messages: The story underscores the value of every job, regardless of prestige, and reminds kids that everyone has unique talents to contribute. Wayne's rebound from disappointment also touches on feel-good themes like perseverance and self-esteem.
Positive role models: Wayne is bitter over losing out on a job promotion and allows his feelings to affect his work performance, which threatens Santa's mission. But once he sees the impact his actions have, he goes above and beyond the call of duty to set things right, and Santa is understanding and forgiving of his misstep.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: One brief reference to a relationship between two elves.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Prep & Landing

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the commercialization of the holidays. Do you think the media influences our expectations of holidays like Christmas? Do TV shows and/or commercials make you want certain items?

  • Kids: What are some of your unique talents? What do those talents help you to do? How can you develop your skills? How would you like to use your talents in the future?

  • Compare this special's take on the North Pole residents' preparations for Christmas with what you've seen in other movies. What other movies/specials offer a behind-the-scenes look at Santa and the elves at work?

What's the story?

What's the story?

PREP & LANDING tells the story of longtime Santa's helper Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley), who belongs to an elite group of elves trusted with the task of prepping each home before the Big Guy's arrival. A 227-year veteran of the job, Wayne is confident that he's earned a promotion, but when he's passed over yet again and saddled with rookie partner Lanny (Derek Richardson) on Christmas Eve, he loses his passion for his work and gets careless, causing a serious security breach. With exuberant Lanny's help, Wayne must rediscover the holiday spirit to save Christmas for a special little boy. The DVD comes with several funny extras including two shorts: "Operation Secret Santa" and "Tiny's Big Adventure."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Just when you thought every avenue had been explored in the world of Christmas stories, along comes a story that will captivate you with its unique spin on a tiny facet of the magical holiday. This sugarplum of a tale will delight any kids who've fretted over the contingencies of Santa's visit -- how does Santa land safely on my roof? what if my dog barks at him? how can he be sure I'll be asleep when he comes? -- and reassure them that the North Pole team is a step ahead of every conceivable mishap.

Disney is well known for designing entertainment for both kids and parents, and this cute Christmas tale is no exception. Adults will pick up on the minor details that escape kids' attention (tie-ins to spy and action movies and a wealth of clever, high-tech gadgets) and will sympathize with Wayne's frustration over being slighted on the job and stuck with an overzealous coworker. But in the end, holiday spirit conquers all, tying in happy messages about unselfishness and compassion. Need another reason to like it? The special isn't tied to a merchandise line (at least, not yet...), so there's no fear of it prompting the "gimmes" from your kids. 

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director: Kevin Deters, Werner Herzog
Cast: Dave Foley, Derek Richardson, Sarah Chalke
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 22 minutes
DVD release: November 22, 2011
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 75% say there are positive messages
  • 50% say there are positive role models
  • 38% say it's educational
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

grandmablessing
parent of and 3 , 4 , 12 year old
10
 
Great for kids 0-12; makes for another holiday favorite.
My grandkids and I all loved this movie. They range from 2-11 and it was entertaining to all. The lessons of working together and doing the right thing even when you are disappointed were excellent.
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helped me decide (18) | had useful details (18) | read my mind (18)
jkmcgee
parent of 6 and 7 year old
2
 
New Holliday Favorite!!
Loved this show, super cute and entertaining!!!
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helped me decide (17) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (17)
JazzerGyrl
parent of 9 and 11 year old
5
 
A New Family Classic!
We saw this on TV last week, and as a family we absolutely loved it! It had a good message to send to kids about their paths in life and it was really very funny!
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helped me decide (16) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (15)
connielove93
educator and parent of 5 and 10 year old
2
 
This was the cutest pixar short. Ember (my kid)loved it!! It shared a good message that everyone's job is important.
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (15)
onlinwork09
parent of 4 and 7 year old
2
 
Great for my 3yr old and 6yr old.
I think it was a cute little movie which was fun to watch.
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (15) | read my mind (16)
ghity
kid, 8 years old
6
 
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helped me decide (17) | had useful details (13) | read my mind (15)
JNinmer
parent of 8 and 10 year old
4
 
Very clever humor
My whole family loved it!
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (13)
marykins2004
parent of 7 year old
4
 
I 'taped' another Christmas special for my grandson, and when this show came on, I stopped taping due to my first impression of the show. Of course, grandson caught a few seconds, and was disappointed it didn't take. When it was shown again, I taped it, watched it, and was impressed by the message and the appeal to a 5/6 year old! He loved it, and wanted the whole family to watch it. Give it a chance it's a modern Christmas/ life parable!
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (15) | read my mind (13)
sadiethompson
parent of 8 year old
4
 
Cute and Fun!
Cute and fun, great animation by Pixar/Disney. Funny for adults as well as kids.
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (13)
pokacola
kid, 13 years old
8
 
Good.
I liked it. Awesome for kids who like Santa.
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (13) | read my mind (15)
bdd458
teen, 15 years old
2
 
A new Holiday family favorite!
A great holiday special. It's like the elves are James Bond or the guy from Mission Impossible! SPIES ARE AWESOME!!!!
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (13)
Fluttershy-23
kid, 12 years old
5
 
Awesome Christmas movie
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
mrbookworm01
teen, 13 years old
5
 
Really good, and a must-see for families!
I saw this on ABC Family and it's a good holiday special. It has great animations, loveable characters, and a positive message about realizing your unique talents, the fact that everyone has importance in life, and caring for others. Violence: No physical violence, but at one point, it seems as if a young boy won't get a visit from Santa, which could sadden younger kids who are sensitive. Sex: A brief reference to a relationship between 2 elves. Consumerism: Brief product placement of the Christmas special, "Mickey's Christmas Carol"
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (10)

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