Santa Baby (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

Plenty of holiday spirit in merry family film.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this made-for-TV movie is full of snowy scenery, chipper elves, twists on Christmas tradition and lore (the religious aspect of the holiday isn't addressed), and holiday spirit. It chronicles a father and adult daughter's emotional journey to understand each other better and settle differences that have driven them apart. With little iffy content and plenty of holiday fun, this is one you can enjoy with the kids.

Positive messages: A daughter and her father learn to resolve their longstanding differences and respect each other. A few main characters are racially diverse.
Violence & scariness: A few slapstick tumbles and falls without injury.
Sexy stuff: A few very brief kissing scenes (a couple of which imply that sex either just happened or is on the way), but there's absolutely no nudity.
Language: "Oh my god" is as bad as it gets.
Consumerism: Cell phones are always at the ready. There are a lot of toys (this is Santa's workshop after all), but they're generic types (teddy bears, toy trains, dolls, etc.) rather than brand names.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: In the only scene with alcohol, two adult characters have a few sips of beer.

More on Santa Baby

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about holiday traditions. What are some of the traditions your family enjoys during the holidays? Parents can also talk about resolving differences with their kids. How do parents and kids discuss issues that are causing problems?

What's the story?

What's the story?
It's just a month until Christmas, and Santa (George Wendt) has fallen ill. With the big man wearing pajamas instead of his red suit and the elves barely able to stay on task without their CEO, it looks like Christmas itself is in jeopardy. But when Mrs. Claus (Lynne Griffin) calls her grown-up daughter to tell her the news, Mary Class (Jenny McCarthy) catches the next plane -- and sled ride -- to Polaris to pitch in. Drawing on her celebrated executive skills (honed by four years in the big city), she decides to take over operations, save Christmas, and hopefully finally earn recognition from her dad for her ideas to modernize the family business. In no time, Mary has turned the mail room into a data-processing center, replaced the elves with a toy-making machine, changed the shapes of candy canes, and even taken away the elves' frequent cookie breaks. But while the elves' hand-written progress reports say production is way up, it's clear that the holiday spirit has plummeted in Santa's workshop. As the big day draws near, things start to unravel.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Though SANTA BABY does have a romantic subplot and includes some brief kissing scenes, the content is so mild that it shouldn't keep kids out of the room. And parents will certainly pick up on the movie's themes of love, forgiveness, and respect. Santa Baby is a nice (if not ground-breaking) holiday tale with cute twists on Christmas traditions and stories. Plus, the lovely snowy scenery and holiday décor are sure to get you and yours in the Christmas spirit.

Movie themes & details

Themes
Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Ron Underwood
Cast: George Wendt, Jenny McCarthy, Lynne Griffin
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 89 minutes
Theatrical release: December 12, 2006
DVD release: November 20, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: mild language and sensuality

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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