Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet holiday tale inspires with messages of goodwill.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Yes, Virginia
What's the Story?
In YES, VIRGINIA, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's (voiced by Beatrice Miller) fervent faith in Santa's existence is shaken when a playground bully named Charlotte (Julian Franco) tells her that it's "infantile" to believe in him. Determined to find out the truth, Virginia and her friend Ollie (Kieran Patrick Campbell) enlist the help of everyone from her quirky father (Neil Patrick Harris) to the local sidewalk Santa (Michael Buscemi) -- a.k.a. "Scraggly Santa. But when Virginia can't find a reliable answer, she turns to the most trustworthy information source she knows: The New York Sun newspaper. At first her plea for a final answer falls on deaf ears, but with a little encouragement from Scraggly Santa, the paper's grumpy editor (Alfred Molina) takes a fresh look at Virginia's pressing question.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful CGI special is based on the real-life story that inspired one of the most famous editorials in journalistic history -- "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Set in the late 1800s, the sweet, simple tale is unencumbered by modern holiday trappings like shopping, presents, and hustle and bustle.
Virginia's fear over Santa's potential nonexistence isn't that there won't be gifts for her on Christmas morning, but that his absence means he won't inspire the spirit of giving in others. The show's heartwarming messages about generosity, unselfishness, and respect will inspire viewers of all ages and remind them that small acts of kindness really can change the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the media's commercial influence. Kids: What shows or movies have you seen that are tied to merchandise? How do advertisers influence your desires for toys and games? Does seeing something on TV make you want it more? Why or why not?
Kids: What does Christmas mean to you? What are some of your family's holiday traditions? How does Christmas inspire you to make the world a better place?
How can your family help others during the holiday season? How can you help raise funds or supplies for charities that help people in need? Why is it important to help others?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 26, 2010
- Cast : Beatrice Miller , Jennifer Love Hewitt , Neil Patrick Harris
- Director : Pete Circuitt
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Video Group
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 30 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 26, 2024
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