Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Christmas adventure has some harsh, mean-spirited moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Princess penguin sisters Crystal (voiced by Hilary Duff) and Lucinda (voiced by older sister Haylie Duff) hit the ice to prove Santa is real, dodging wild animals, pirates, and the open sea on the road. Along the way, they will discover just what it means to truly believe.
Is It Any Good?
With 2004-era CGI that looks like a cheap video game, this penguin-populated Santa tale looks dated and drags a bit. With its handful of characters who are a bit too mean-spirited and sisters who remain rivals for the better part of the film, it may be a bit harsh for younger kids.
That said, kids may enjoy the pure spectacle of the tale: animated penguins, ice adventures, and the anticipation of Santa. But parents will want to monitor reactions to those harsh insults, and otherwise may need a bit of patience to sit through this poor-quality, convoluted story that mish-mashes pirates, penguins, and Santa in one sloppy mess.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about beliefs. Do you celebrate Christmas or believe in Santa? What rituals and beliefs are part of your family?
Have you ever had someone not believe you? What did it feel like? Were you able to convince them you were telling the truth?
Do you have siblings? Do you ever not get along? How do you fix things and make them better?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 23, 2004
- Cast : Haylie Duff , Hilary Duff , Kathleen Barr
- Director : William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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