![]() With a little help from the local schoolteacher, Jesper convinces the kids that if they stop fighting each other, they can send letters for toys. Jesper gets an idea how he can get the kids interested in mail when he befriends Klaus, a lonely toymaker just outside the town. Smeerensburg is a tiny town divided by two feud families, where constant rows makes any public service impossible. When it becomes clear he’s not learning the family business, his father sends him to the worst mailman’s location ever. Jesper Johanson is a spoiled man whose father runs the world’s largest mail service. ![]() Klaus accomplishes the best of both worlds. Even if those scenes fit together, they’re not compelling if the characters are boring. Anyone can make a semi-plausible movie about a white-bearded man ending up at the North Pole and discovering he likes to make toys. When these movies are fiction, they pass or fail based on whether they combine their plot needs with interesting characters. There are more than a few Christmas origin movies-from Rankin-Bass’ classic Santa Clause is Coming to Town to the upcoming documentary about St. Television/Magnolia Hill Productions/Netflix Cheery and nostalgic, perfect for family viewing.įurther Reading: ‘There Was Jesus’ Zach Williams and Dolly Parton Official Music Video Christine Baranski adds a hint of sarcastic humor (wondering whether she’s hallucinating, and if so, why it had to be “an angel wearing rhinestones”) that makes the self-conscious element even funnier without making the movie a dark comedy. The story follows the usual Christmas family movie formula, although there’s enough humor to show it’s gently mocking those standards (Fullerville’s pastor is named Pastor Christian, and someone calls Regina, “Oh, she’s such a… bless her heart”). The opening credits include paintings of the town, which sets it up as a self-consciously old-fashioned story. With a little help from Parton (who she initially mistakes for a homeless person, then assumes is a hallucination when Parton explains she’s an angel) and her personal assistant Felicity (an angel in training), Regina revisits her past pain and discovers what Christmas is all about. She has sold the town to a shopping mall developer and wants everyone out by Christmas. Regina hasn’t been back since some tragic events during high school, and with her father buried, she has a shocking announcement. Regina’s father started the small town of Fullerville a generation ago to create a small-town community that could thrive. A great example of telling a heartwarming Christmas story that has a point without making it too syrupy or didactic.įurther Reading: Shaun the Sheep Movie Reviewĭolly Parton provided the music and some acting in this 90-minute Christmas musical spoofing It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. Shaun’s adventures in a house where the parents are more interested in their work than in their child (too busy to notice the sheep sneaking into their house) remind viewers that Christmas is about family, and cool gizmos can’t replace family time. The hijinks are hilarious (especially when Shaun has to sneak into the child’s house, where smart devices operate everything). Things get more complicated when a child mistakes Timmy for a stuffed toy and takes him home. However, when the youngest lamb, Timmy, gets into a truck going to the Christmas market, Shaun and his friends have to get him home. In this Christmas special, Shaun and his friends on Mossy Bottom Farm are preparing for Christmas. Most of them work for any audience since there’s no dialogue, just slapstick comedy. All of these adventures are fun and kid-friendly. Since he first appeared in the stop-motion caper A Close Shave, Shaun the Sheep has gone from being a supporting character to the hero of (several) own animated series and films. Maybe most surprising, its romantic plot (four singers who end up at the same holiday inn and struggle to get past their careers to see if they can fall in love with each) doesn’t feel forced.įurther Reading: Michael Buble Sings White Christmas with Bing Crosby The dialogue is fun and has lines that are clever enough for adults and ones that are silly enough for kids. The songs are memorable, even in the “musical within a musical” section, where they go on a bit long. It has transcended its time to become a perennial classic. White Christmas is one of the few Christmas musicals that aren’t just fun. ![]() Adding holiday nostalgia to the formula can feel like throwing sugar cubes into a pint of candy cane ice cream. Maybe it’s because musicals are already flamboyant and sentimental affairs, even when discussing serious topics like the Nazis invading Austria. There are some great Christmas classic movies ( Christmas in Connecticut), but it’s much harder to find a truly classic Christmas musical. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |