Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Orphan saves Christmas in so-so, sometimes-scary musical.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Christmas Is Here Again
What's the Story?
Santa can't carry toys for the entire planet's children in just any old sack. His is magically able to hold all those toys because, according to this story, the sack is made from the baby Jesus' swaddling clothes. Its magical power makes Christmas gift-distribution possible. Nasty old Krad (Ed Asner) steals the sack and gleefully predicts there will never be another Christmas. Christmas ceases to exist until orphan Sophiana hears the story and decides to find the sack and save both Christmas and the depressed Santa Claus. The orphanage setting and occasional bursts of explanatory song make this tale vaguely reminiscent of Oliver!.
Is It Any Good?
Small children might like this holiday musical, but they may also lose patience at the 73-minute length. Andy Griffith makes an amusing Santa, and Jay Leno provides good narration, but the standout is Ed Asner as Krad, who delightfully sings a signature anthem, declaring himself "ee-ville," "foul," and "vile." Parts of the movie may be too creepy for sensitive kids, so if your child is nightmare-prone you may want to stick to gentler holiday tales.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between the animation in this movie and in a film with more realistic-looking movement, such as Madagascar or Frozen. Which do you prefer, and why?
Do you think you can really be friends with a caterpillar, or is that just something that happens in movies?
When something scary happens in a movie, do you tell yourself it's only a movie and that no one is really going to get hurt? If that doesn't help, what can you do to feel better after seeing something frightening?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 29, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2008
- Cast : Ed Asner , Andy Griffith , Kathy Bates , Madison Davenport
- Director : Robert Zappia
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 73 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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