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Parents' Guide to

Naughty & Nice

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Predictable faith-based holiday tale won't engage kids.

Movie PG 2014 89 minutes
Naughty & Nice Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

NAUGHTY & NICE punishes rude Los Angeles radio jock Pepper (Tilky Jones) after his on-air behavior offends a major advertiser. On suspension, he is sent by corporate to man a romantic advice show in a small Colorado town. The place is populated by decent and sincere people, including his sweet co-host, Sandra Love (Haylie Duff). Never has a jerk more obviously needed the help of a good woman. They take an immediate dislike to each other and romance blossoms from there.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This movie is a vapid retread of a tired old plot that's unlikely to appeal to kids. A nice girl meets a crude and angry guy, gets to know the true person beneath his snarky layer of protection, and falls deeply in love with him, all in 89 minutes. This DJ's snark won him high ratings in L.A. but earns the wrath of his new co-host in rural Colorado. "You're smug, crude, and use people's lives to get a cheap laugh. We don't do that on my show," says the psychology PhD to the new guy. But, oops, she says it into a live mic and the broadcast conflict raises her show's ratings, too. Naturally, she is shocked when he quotes Christian scripture to help cue a kid who has forgotten her lines in the Christmas pageant, a plot device used to humanize the demon from the Big City. So expect mention of "lying in a manger," "glory to God," and "a multitude of heavenly hosts." Because Naughty & Nice was made for television, there are many blackouts for ads.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how first impressions can sometimes be wrong. Why do you think some people like to present themselves as tougher than they really are inside?

  • Do you think the fact that Sandra's mother likes Pepper influences Sandra's feelings about the guy? Mom mentions that Pepper is a lot like Sandra's father. Do you think people look for familiar people when trying to find mates?

  • Is this a typical holiday story? Why or why not?

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