I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the kids are wise beyond their years and sorta grumpy. They argue frequently, often ending disagreements with a bonk to the head. At the end, the kids perform a religious-themed recitation. Other than this, nothing terribly controversial happens.
Community Reviews
best for true Peanuts fans
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I was letting my kid who turned 2 today watch this
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What's the Story?
Lucy and Linus's little brother Rerun desperately wants a dog for Christmas. His mother doesn't think he's responsible enough to have a dog. In the meantime, Rerun spends as much time as possible with Snoopy, a sometimes reluctant play-partner. In classic Peanuts tradition, Lucy courts the Beethoven-obsessed Schroeder, and Snoopy flies his dog house around in the sky. When Snoopy's brother Spike visits, Rerun hopes he will become his very own dog, but the wish proves elusive.
Is It Any Good?
Unlike the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, this holiday film doesn't have a strong message; without it, the movie seems mostly a collection of Peanuts tropes without anything special to offer. For series devotees, seeing the loveable and mischievous Snoopy fly his dog house around, or the crabby Lucy dress up like a nurse to plump up Snoopy's brother Spike, might be enough to stay entertained. For others, there are better introductions to the slightly depressed little boy named Charlie Brown.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about hitting. Why do the characters in this movie hit each other? Is it OK to hit people in real life? What's the difference between the hitting in this movie and hitting in real life?
Talk about pets. What are some of the responsibilities of owning a pet? What are some of the fun things about having a pet?
Talk about Lucy and Schroeder. Why does Lucy like Schroeder even though he's mean to her? What would you do if you were in Lucy's situation?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 26, 2004
- Cast: Adam Taylor Gordon, Ashley Rose, Jimmy Bennett
- Director: Bill Melendez
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 41 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love animals
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