Has anyone else noticed the numerous similarities between the plot of this movie and that of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather?

Has anyone else noticed the numerous similarities between the plot of this movie and that of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather?

How exactly do Michael and the gang know that the dude's daughter is being held hostage???  He only whispers it to Jesse, who never gets a chance to tell Sam, and Jesse is held hostage in the chemical plant.  It makes no sense. 

OK, you can most definitely NOT just cut off an ankle bracelet and have the police chase after the bracelet wherever it goes.  If it was that easy, ankle bracelets would be useless.  The police KNOW if it's been cut, so they won't be stupid enough to all go chasing after the signal after it's cut.