Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unassuming Christmas comedy is fun for all the family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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The Ultimate Christmas Present
What's the Story?
In THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT, 13-year-old Allie Thompson (Hallee Hirsh) is desperate to find a way to avoid writing a school paper due in before the Christmas break. When she and her best friend Sam (Brenda Song) find a strange contraption in the trash outside a cabin in the woods, they discover that it is a weather machine and plot to give Los Angeles its first snowy Christmas. Initially a school snow day sounds perfect, but as the blizzard gets out of control it threatens her father's travel plans, her mother's work bookings, and Santa's ability to deliver toys -- especially when the machine falls into the hands of a maniacal weatherman. Can the girls team up with Santa and his elves to save Christmas?
Is It Any Good?
Amid a flurry of straight-to-TV Christmas films, this is a light-hearted and fun family adventure that doesn't think far outside the box, but wraps the package up well. The young leads, Hirsh and Song, give great performances with plenty of energy, while Spencer Breslin has the annoying younger brother trope down to perfection and John B. Lowe makes for a warm and knowing Santa.
Snow in L.A. adds a magical flourish, and there are some fun touches, such as children sliding down hills on inflatable floats and surfboards, as well as mischievous antics from Santa's unexpectedly tall elves, Sparky (Bill Fagerbakke) and Crumpet (John Salley). Sweet and funny, if somewhat slight, The Ultimate Christmas Present is a vibrant and uplifting movie full of festive spirit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what The Ultimate Christmas Present teaches us about the true meaning of Christmas. What do you like best about the holidays? What could you do this Christmas that might make someone's even better?
How does the film represent family? What are the good and bad things about Allie's family life? How does Allie's family compare to your own?
What does the movie teach us about friendship? Talk about your own friendships. What makes a good friendship?
How does this movie compare to other Christmas movies? What are your favorite Christmas movies and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 1, 2000
- Cast : Hallee Hirsh , Brenda Song , Spencer Breslin
- Director : Greg Beeman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Disney+ , Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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