Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids will love Santa's puppy, but watch out for sad moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 39 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a nostalgic holiday favorite that appeals to families with its adorable dog characters and emotional storyline, but it does contain some intense scenes that can be upsetting for younger audiences, particularly involving a cruel orphanage owner and perilous situations like the incinerator scene. Although opinions are mixed on the level of appropriateness for children, many viewers appreciate its heartwarming message about the true spirit of Christmas.
- nostalgic holiday favorite
- emotional storyline
- intense scenes
- heartwarming message
- mixed appropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Santa's workshop is operating at full tilt -- until Santa (Richard Riehle) gets a message on his birthday that his friend Mr. Hucklebuckle has passed away. This sad news is accompanied with the gift of a very special dog, whom Santa calls Paws. Meanwhile, Mr. Hucklebuckle's grandson has taken over the toy store, which is near a foster home. Santa plans a visit but has an accident on the way and needs the help of Paws and the girls from the foster home. But can they work together to save Santa -- and Christmas?
Is It Any Good?
This musical take on the modern-day Christmas story holds a lot of appeal for kids, since there are talking puppies, a jolly Santa and elves, and brave girls. But the emotional punches delivered might be too intense for the youngest viewers, who are confronted with the notion that parents die and kids are put into foster homes, plus the idea that if prospective parents "think you are cute, then they will take you home."
This isn't a new theme -- there are lots of hard-luck stories out there. But this movie is embellished with cute puppies and lots of toys, which makes the gritty scenes of girls being thrown into the basement look more like child abuse than something a kid can simply shake off. That said, the payoff is pretty great when it comes. The rosy times glow a little brighter, but viewers might be a touch too sad to enjoy the rewards of a happy ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the spirit of Christmas. How does this movie define it? What does the spirit of Christmas or the winter holidays mean to your family?
Quinn and Will are in a foster home. What are foster homes really like? What purpose does this movie's negative depiction of foster homes serve?
When you see all of the toys in this movie, do you want to have some of them? Check out some of the ways that media influences kids to buy stuff.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 16, 2010
- Cast : Bonnie Somerville , Madison Pettis , Wendi McLendon-Covey
- Director : Robert Vince
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Nada que pueda ofender a los padres para ser visto por los niños.
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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