Big Time Christmas

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Boy band's fun holiday special boasts big-name guest stars.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this holiday special is fun for tweens, whether they’re already fans of Big Time Rush or not. The story is hardly realistic, but that won’t matter to kid viewers, who will revel in the guys’ antics anyway. If your kids aren’t already familiar with guest stars Fabio, Snoop Dogg, and Miranda Cosgrove, they may take an interest in them after the show, but other than that -- and a few kisses under the mistletoe -- there’s nothing here that’s worrisome for tweens, and the story’s message about the joy of spreading Christmas cheer is jolly for all.

  • The show intends to entertain rather than to educate.
  • The story reminds viewers to keep in mind the true Christmas joy of spending time with family and friends.
  • The characters value camaraderie over gifts and give up their holiday expectations to brighten a friend's day.
  • A man gets hit by a car in one scene and wears braces on his legs and a sling on his arm for the rest of the show.
  • Teen couples kiss under the mistletoe, and in one scene, a boy gets mobbed by girls who want to kiss him.
  • Not applicable.
  • Guest stars Miranda Cosgrove, Fabio, and Snoop Dogg get some air time for their involvement in the show.

What's the story?

‘Twas the day before Christmas, and the band members of Big Time Rush were scurrying about crossing off last-minute to-dos before heading home to Minnesota for the holiday. Everything’s on schedule until their Scrooge-y boss, Arthur Griffin (Matt Reidy), drops the bomb that they can’t leave until they’ve written and recorded three Christmas songs, two of which must feature guest singers. It will take a Christmas miracle (or three) to get the job done, but luck is in their corner when stars like Miranda Cosgrove and Snoop Dogg practically fall into their laps at the last minute.


Is it any good?

 

BIG TIME CHRISTMAS is the kind of holiday special that tweens will like -- it’s fast-paced, funny, and full of outlandish scenarios. Kendall (Kendall Schmidt), James (James Maslow), Carlos (Carlos Pena, Jr.), and Logan (Logan Henderson) are their usual charismatic selves, and the addition of big-name guests doesn’t hurt the show’s appeal at all. What’s more, this show doesn’t feel like a last-minute addition to bolster interest in a series or promote its musical features. There’s a truly likable quality about it that makes it a success even as its own entity.

Entertainment aside, the show boasts sweet messages about Christmas spirit and making the holiday memorable, regardless of circumstances that seem to stand in the way. And in the end, the guys set aside their own desires and pull together to make the holiday special for an unlikely friend.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about holiday traditions. What are some of your favorites? How do they reflect your family’s personality, culture, or religious beliefs? How do you feel when your traditions are upset? What does Christmas spirit mean to you?

  • Tweens: Had you heard of Miranda Cosgrove and Snoop Dogg before this show? Did you like their roles in this show? Are you more inclined to seek out other work now? How is this an example of embedded advertising?

  • Tweens: What opportunities exist for you to brighten someone else’s day? When have you done something selfless for someone else? How does it make you feel? Why is it important to help others?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Teen, 15 years old
December 7, 2010
 
I dont watch the show anymore!

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Kid, 9 years old
January 10, 2011
 
GREAT for kids of all ages.
GREAT movie, one of the best.

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Teen, 14 years old
November 23, 2011
 
Good Christmas special and ok for young kids
I've seen this special and it's ok. It's fine for kids and has a good message about spending Christmas with family and friends. Violence: Gustavo is shown getting hit by a car and later wearing an arm cast and sling, but nothing graphic is shown. Sex: Some brief kisses, but it doesn't go any farther. Consumerism: Snoop Dog, Miranda Cosgrove, and Fabio get airtime in the episode.

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Kid, 13 years old
December 27, 2010
 
Very nice!
I love it :) It real shows the true meaning of Christmas

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Kid, 13 years old
December 21, 2010
 
YAWN!!!!
its ok but i thought it was a bit.....boring!

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
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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