Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Frenetic animated brothers save Christmas from naughtiness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
As usual, Phineas (voiced by Vincent Martella) and Ferb (Thomas Sangster) are up to their high-tech tricks -- turning their beds into flying toboggans before breakfast, for example. But Dr. Doofenschmirtz, the local evil scientist, is up to some tricks as well. He has decided to turn the entire town of Danville into a no-fly zone for Santa on Christmas. Four bonus episodes feature the mysterious pet platypus/secret agent Perry, whose problem solving skills are put to the test.
Is It Any Good?
Wacky enough to hold the attention of media savvy kids, smart enough to win over parents, PHINEAS AND FERB: A VERY PERRY CHRISTMAS has charm and musical appeal to spare. The feature is not a relax-by-the fire Christmas movie. Rather, it's the sugar jolt in the morning kind of flick that fans of the TV show will appreciate. Viewers might recall seeing the Christmas special on television, though it's worth a revisit.
The bonus episodes are a little more jumpy and frantic in pace than the feature, though Agent P is a great character to follow. He kicks through doors with his webbed foot, he sneaks silently about, solving earth-shattering situations. These episodes have nothing to do with Christmas. Consider them Agent P's little gift to you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what winter holidays mean to them. Is it about the gifts? Is it about spending time with family? What does Christmas mean to Phineas and Ferb?
There is one character in this special who does not celebrate Christmas, but she goes along with the shenanigans anyway. Can you name two other winter celebrations besides Christmas? What are their meanings?
Does seeing all of the presents that are given in this movie make you want to give more, or have more? What does giving really mean? Is Candace doing the right thing when she obsesses about her boyfriend's gift?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 2010
- Cast : Ashley Tisdale , Thomas Sangster , Vincent Martella
- Director : Zac Moncrief
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Holidays
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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