This movie is perfect for animal and Christmas lovers! Based off the book written by fourteen year old Emma Kragen, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas stars Jordon-Claire Green, Tom Kemp, Susan Wood, and over one hundred tail-wagging, happy doggies.

Emma O'Conner is upset when her father sends her to live with Aunt Delores in the tiny town of Doverville. But once she arrives, she finds there's more than enough to entertain her. Mayor Doyle has just enacted a law that banishes all dogs from the city limits and gives the dogcatcher (also the mayor's brother) full right to take away any dog they find. However, Cathy Stevens, a.k.a. the "Crazy Dog Lady" and her son Mike rescues the dogs before the dogcatcher gets them and Emma joins in their enterprise. The dogcatcher and the mayor aren't going to let the dogs go without a fight though, and it'll take Emma, her school, and a Christmas show to save Christmas and the dogs.

The movie is clean, with only one swear word throughout. Emma is a feisty, independent heroine, someone you want to cheer on. Seeing the school get creatively involved with the dogs' cause was interesting. It's appealing to children, but can also hold the attention of teens and adults.

There are several chase scenes involving the dogcatcher and his creepy looking sidekick. While there's no violence, some children might find these scenes intense. At one point Mike's dog goes missing and they are afraid she's dead. There is a scene or two with drinking and/or gambling.

SPOILER: Emma discovers that the dogs are being taken for dog fights and she witnesses one of these fights getting started, but nothing actually happens. The scene shows men drinking, betting, and shouting; some children might find this frightening. 

This movie is rated G and is best for ages 7+, depending on maturity.

For those of you who have watched The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, what did you think of it? Tell me in the comments below!