Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Forgettable Christmas fare will amuse kids with potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Chilly Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
It's Christmas in California; the sun is shining, the beaches are filled with happy people. Bobby, age 11 (a likable Bryson Sams), with his devoted dog Chilly, is looking forward to a wonderful holiday. But his single, police detective dad (a fine C. Thomas Howell) has news for Bobby -- he's been offered a job with the FBI in New York City; they'll be moving only days after Christmas. And, worst of all, they won't be able to take Chilly with them; he's an outdoor dog, not suited for big city life in an apartment. Desperate, Bobby and his good friends, determine to provide their own Christmas miracle and make Chilly suitable for the city. The training begins with humorously disastrous results, complicated by the detective's current case: dog nappers (headed by Tom Arnold in a role that's almost become type-casting) on a wild crime spree. Time nearly runs out; Bobby's and Chilly's antics place them in harm's way; and Bobby's dad uncovers new feelings about his beautiful and child-friendly female boss.
Is It Any Good?
Chilly Christmas is another in the crowded field of boy-meets-dog-versus-bumbling-criminals movies; its biggest asset is Chilly, an adorable, scene-stealing dog. Otherwise, this predictable, derivative story has little to recommend it. All the requisites are in place: bullies, farcical villains, a single parent in need of a soulmate, a tomboy with a big heart, and a motherless kid who's faced with a big transition. And the novice director, some beginning actors, and a general lack of originality don't help the cause.
Still, it's easy to see why kids might like it: slapstick humor, dog poop, and Christmas miracles are almost always appealing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action in this film. What are some of the ways filmmakers let us know that the violence is not real?
Bobby takes steps to convince his dad that the decision about Chilly going to New York is the wrong one. What are some constructive ways that have helped you get your parents to take a second look at a decision they've made?
Lots of movies show school bullies. Who helps kids deal with bullies in your school? Why do you think kids bully others?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2012
- Cast : Brooke Langton , Bryson Sams , C. Thomas Howell
- Director : Gregory Poppen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Holidays
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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