The Duncan family plans to go to Amy's parents' new condo in Palm Springs, California for Christmas. However, they are separated en route when Teddy makes a snap decision to give up her airline seat for a free ticket to prove to her parents she can go to Florida for her spring break with her best friend Ivy. Unwilling to let her daughter travel alone, Amy also disembarks the plane, only to discover that the next flight to Palm Springs departs after Christmas. Meanwhile, the rest of the family arrives in Palm Springs, but things aren't any easier as Bob tries to care for Charlie under the watchful eye of Amy's mother Petunia, who strongly dislikes Bob and blames him for Charlie's mischief and the other kids' mishaps; PJ learns the pros and cons of his grandparents' pool after getting a sunburn; and Gabe quickly realizes the downfalls of teaching Grandpa Hank how to play his favorite video game, Galaxy of Death, after Hank becomes more addicted to it than he is. Stranded and in desperation, Teddy and Amy find unconventional ways to get to Palm Springs before Christmas, while keeping in contact with Bob via cellphone. On their journey, Amy reveals that she is pregnant again when they hitch hike with an elderly couple who turn out to be part of an alien abduction survivors network. When the two arrive in Las Vegas, their luggage is stolen, and they get into another argument, where Amy promptly blames Teddy for them getting them lost in the first place. Hungry, the mother and daughter perform Christmas carols to get money for a dinner. In a restaurant, they find Jordan, the girl who had stolen their luggage, and confront her. She breaks down in tears and explains how she has been stranded after running away from home to go to a music festival cross-country, which her mother forbade her from attending. Sympathizing with Jordan, Amy calls Jordan's mother and smooths things over, and Teddy gives her plane ticket to Jordan to get her home for Christmas. This gesture helps Teddy and Amy bond from their previous arguments, and Amy finally acknowledges that Teddy is responsible. Meanwhile, PJ, Bob, and Gabe drive to Las Vegas to pick up Amy and Teddy, but are mistakenly kidnapped on the way and participate in a paintball match based on Galaxy of Death in order to return to their car. Gabe wins the match by taking the "Stone of Mitrios", which he was already planning to do since he started playing the game. In return, they get a free helicopter ride to find Teddy and Amy. Hank and Petunia then arrive with Charlie by car, and the entire family is finally reunited outside a diner in the desert. Amy admits not only that they finally got the Christmas vacation they wanted, but also that this was the best Christmas they've ever had. She then reveals that she is having another baby, much to the happiness of the Duncans and Blankenhoopers. In the epilogue, on the way back to Denver from their Christmas trip, Gabe attempts to take the Stone of Mitrios on the plane ride back, but it is taken away by a flight attendant. Another flight attendant then announces the offering of a free plane ticket, which Teddy quickly accepts once again. Amy says to Bob, "Your turn" and Bob obediently goes after Teddy, jokingly promising Amy that they will be back by New Year's. Amy smiles in response and says that she knows they won't. A short blooper roll follows the epilogue.
Cast
Bridgit Mendler as Teddy, the older sister of Charlie who makes video diaries.
Leigh-Allyn Baker as Amy, Teddy's comedic and headstrong mother.
The film is executive-produced by Sheri Singer along with three executive producers of the series, Dan Staley, Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen. The script was written by Geoff Rodkey and directed by Arlene Sanford. The film was shot in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah from March 2011 to September 2011. The Gateway complex in Salt Lake City was used to film scenes that were set on the Las Vegas Strip. Other filming locations included the Pirate Island pizza restaurant in Orem, which stood in as a Las Vegas buffet; and the Salt Palace convention center, which was transformed to look like the Denver Airport. Filming also took place at Skull Valley.
Music
"I'm Gonna Run to You", performed by Bridgit Mendler, was released as promotional single on November 18, 2011. It was written by Bridget Mendler and Jamie Houston and produced by Houston. "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Deck the Halls" were also performed during the movie.
Ratings
It was watched by 6.9 million viewers, the premiere also delivered 3.3 million Kids 6-11, 2.4 million Teens and 1.4 million Adults 18-49. The movie became no. 1 live-action cable movie of 2011 in total viewers and the no. 1 live-action scripted telecast across all TV in Kids 6-11. In Australia it was watched by 111,000 viewers and in the United Kingdom there were 562,000 viewers.
