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I AM: DVD Review

Movie Info

RATING:

G

GENRE:

Holiday

DVD RELEASE:

Nov. 23, 2010

STARRING:

Kaitlyn Maher, Madison Pettis, Richard Riehle, Patrika Darbo, Mitchel Musso, Reese Alexander, Diedrich Bader

DIRECTOR:

Robert Vince

DISTRIBUTOR:

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

 

Please Note

In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.

DVD Review

The Search for Santa Paws

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer


CBN.com - From the makers of the Buddies franchise, The Search of Santa Paws is a Christmas story about sacrifice and friendship made for families to enjoy this holiday season.

The story goes... After hearing sad news, the elves and Mrs. Claus bring a stuffed dog to life to cheer up Santa Claus. His new four-legged friend, whom he names Paws, travels with him to New York City. Then, a series of unfortunate events cause the two to be split up. Unable to find an amnesiac Santa, Paws wanders the streets looking for him, until he comes across orphans under the care of a torturous foster mom. Meanwhile, Santa finds a job at his old friend’s toy store run by James and Kate Huckle. With Santa’s health failing, Paws and his North Pole friends must find him and figure out a way to make him well.

Though the story focuses on teaching children and adults alike that it’s more important to give than receive (a worthy lesson, especially this time of year), the film does feature elements some parents may consider to be questionable content. The Search of Santa Paws contains drama too traumatic for young children. The movie begins with Santa mourning his friend’s death. A few scenes later, Santa is hit by a car and suffers from amnesia. The movie also tells an intersecting storyline of a group of orphaned girls whose foster mom is a modern-day version of the Miss Hannigan from the musical, Annie. She keeps the girls in a miserable state, not allowing toys or Christmas decorations in the house. If she finds any, they go in the incinerator. And disobedient girls are locked away in a dungeon of a basement.

Another issue parents may have is the film's focus on the magical power of crystals that sustain Claus and Paws’ lives. Christmas magic is what turns Paws from a stuffed dog into a real puppy. It's also the life source that keeps Santa healthy.

These two potential issues aside, The Search for Santa Paws does present a good Christmas message of giving and friendship. Expect to hear original holiday songs in the film. And be ready to fall in love with the adorable girls who star as orphans, namely Kaitlyn Maher (America’s Got Talent) as Quinn and Madison Pettis (The Game Plan) as Will. Richard Riehle (The Fugitive, Glory) fills the Santa suit and Patrika Darbo (Days of Our Lives) is Mrs. Claus.

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Hannah GoodwynHannah Goodwyn is CBN.com's Family and Entertainment producer. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.

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