Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice

Name: Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
Item: Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

Movie review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice Movie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

(i)

Funny Christmas tale has feel-good themes for families.

NR
2012
22 minutes

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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 4 reviews

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

The story is meant as entertainment, but there are some uplifting take-aways about family bonds and being a role model. It also offers an imaginative look at the behind-the-scenes activity that makes Santa's job possible.

Positive Messages

Estranged brothers address long-held differences and re-establish a relationship. A child's wrongdoing is forgiven thanks to her honesty and her willingness to improve. Co-workers must learn to set aside their differences and accomplish the task at hand for the sake of others.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Some characters display a willingness to recognize their shortcomings and change their ways. The story touches on the definition of a role model and the responsibilities that accompany that position.

Violence & Scariness

Nothing that resembles a real weapon, but an elf packs a gun made of gift wrap and candy canes, another is pummeled by foam ammo from a child's toy, and a grenade made from an ornament erupts in billowing glitter.

Sexy Stuff

Two elves engage in nervous flirtation that culminates in a very quick kiss.

Language

A few instances of stand-in cursing like "oh, frostbite!"

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this comical special has a little something for viewers of all ages, from darling little elves and festive Christmas scenery for kids to a funny slant on holiday-induced family drama for grown-ups. You don't have to have seen the original Prep & Landing to enjoy this story, although it doesn't hurt to know the history behind Wayne and Lanny's partnership. There are a few scenes with weapons -- if you can call glitter-blasting ornament grenades and a gift-wrap gun "weapons." Sweet messages about weathering the storm with family are a big part of the story, so you'll walk away from watching with a warm fuzzy in your heart.

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written byCosplaykat December 27, 2020

age 5+

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Parent of an infant, 4, 6, and 6-year-old Written byFowlerFan November 30, 2012

age 3+

Easy viewing

This sequel wasn't as good as the original, in my mind. But it is as age-applicable as the first one. I suppose there might be a little tension/scariness... Continue reading

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Kid, 5 years old April 4, 2021

age 5+

Good Christmas fun

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Teen, 16 years old Written byJoseph Rock February 29, 2012

age 11+

Not bad,BUT the first Prep & Landing is better.

This Christmas special was OK.It is not terrible.Nor is it a masterpiece.It's very funny and colorful,BUT I prefer the first Prep & Landing.

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What's the story?

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and the North Pole is a flurry of activity as the hardworking residents prepare for Santa's big night ... but a security breach threatens the integrity of the Naughty and Nice Lists and puts the elves on high alert. The experienced prep team of Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) and Wayne (Dave Foley) is called in to infiltrate the unidentified hacker's home and retrieve the classified conduct calculator before "Jinglesmell1337" can transfer her name from the Naughty List to the Nice one. As an extra precaution, the elves must team up with a Naughty Kid expert, who turns out to be Wayne's estranged younger brother, Noel (Rob Riggle). Mixing work and family is never a good idea, and for these new co-workers, being together could just jeopardize the mission -- and Christmas itself.

Is it any good?

Elfin odd couple Lanny and Wayne return for more mayhem in this delightful original interpretation of the behind-the-scenes work behind the biggest holiday of the year. Once again Wayne has his eye on a work-related accolade -- the "Elf of the Year" award -- and once again he finds himself surrounded by less-than-enviable coworkers whom he fears might cost him his chance. This time his predicament is complicated by a family entanglement as well, and a long-held resentment comes to a head just as the clock ticks down on Christmas Eve.

It's not easy to present a truly original Christmas story, but PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE manages it with ease. Maybe you've never given any thought to the interface and motherboards it takes to monitor the Naughty and Nice Lists or what happens when the Coal Elf Brigade visits the houses of those Naughty Kids, but you'll certainly mull it over after watching this laugh-out-loud holiday special. And you're bound to be brimming with Christmas spirit by the end, thanks to the heartwarming messages about the ties that bind family and loved ones, even as their presence at the holidays can strike a nerve or two.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about relationships. Kids: How well do you get along with your siblings or close friends? Are there issues that arise that often lead to squabbles? How do you handle them? Have you ever had a problem with someone that you weren't able to resolve?
Kids: What do you like about this story's image of the North Pole and its residents? How does this movie's take on Christmas differ from that of other holiday specials you've seen?
How do TV shows, movies, and music relate to your family's holiday traditions? Do you have different rules about media use this time of year or at any other special times? What are your standard rules about TV? Why do your parents establish rules like these?