Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, feel-good tale makes the holiday merry for families.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a chaotic mix of cartoonish humor and absurd plotlines that offers both laughs and family-friendly messages, although its connection to the original show is loosely perceived, leaving some fans disappointed. Despite the mixed feelings, many enjoy its comedic moments and over-the-top performances, making it a fun option for holiday family viewing.
- campy humor
- family messages
- chaotic plot
- mixed reviews
- holiday viewing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's days before Christmas, and the Duncan family is prepping for a trip to sunny Palm Springs to spend the holiday with Amy's (Leigh-Allyn Baker) parents. Emotions and anxiety run high as Amy tries to come to terms with the breaking of traditions, Bob (Eric Allan Kramer) declares war on a troublesome bargain item meant to simplify traveling with young Charlie (Mia Talerico), and Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) pleads her case for an unchaperoned cross-country trip over spring break. In an attempt to prove her independence, Teddy offers up her seat on the plane to score a free ticket for the later trip, and Amy reluctantly follows suit to make sure she's all right. The move sets in motion a series of mishaps that seems bound to keep the family apart at Christmas, but Amy and Teddy manage to creep westward by bus, car, and the kindness of strangers to reunite with their loved ones. Meanwhile, Bob, Charlie, and the boys try to keep the peace with the in-laws until the girls show up, but even that might require a Christmas miracle.
Is It Any Good?
Good Luck Charlie fans have reason to celebrate this holiday special, which hones in on the most appealing aspects of the popular sitcom and glams them up for the festivities. Amy's frazzled nerves, Bob's fumbling efforts to hold things together, and the kids' determination to chart their own courses are the catalyst for the movie's plentiful funny moments ... and that's not even counting the impish toddler who throws their lives into turmoil at every turn. In other words, there's no shortage of laughs in this merry movie that will appeal to parents almost as much as it does their kids.
Happily, there's also a heartier side to the story, one that reflects what parents (if not their offspring) hold dear through the holidays. This is a kid-targeted movie that spends two anticipatory hours building up to Christmas but makes no references to gifts, stockings, or even Santa. Instead, the focus is on the family, and rather than fighting crowds for the must-have toys of the year, these family members are racing the clock just to spend time with their loved ones. Feel-good messages nestled within the movie's shiny packaging -- plus a few Christmas surprises -- make this one to add to your family's watch list. If nothing else, it's a great way to shed the stress of the season by getting some laughs at a different family's dysfunction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication. How do you handle situations in which you don't see eye to eye with someone else? How does a difference of opinion cause stress between people? Is honesty always the best policy? How is this issue explored in the movie?
Tweens: What did you think of Teddy's request to travel cross-country without her parents? What freedoms do you enjoy now that you're older that you didn't when you were a kid? What responsibilities accompany this independence? What are the consequences if you don't fulfill your obligations?
What are your favorite parts of the holidays? How do your family's traditions reflect your ethnic heritage or faith? How does your family express the spirit of giving?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2012
- Cast : Bridgit Mendler , Jason Dolley , Leigh-Allyn Baker
- Director : Arlene Sanford
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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