Santa has always been a fascinating character in fantasy lore, despite a aura of mystery about him, he's fascinating because to me he's a representation of the good of mankind, what more it can be and do for the other. This Christmas film is another childhood relic of mine which as an adult I still watch to this day, just like Santa himself this film is timeless.
The animation as usual from the Ralkin and Bass company is great, I always love claymation because it all look real. Once again love the background animation which constructs a cold but beautiful fantasy atmosphere.
Music is also great the songs are memorable, from Fred Astare sing the end credit song which of course is the title. Though my favorite song is the one "My world is just Beginning" from the character Jessica. I just love the lyrics and the psychedelic animation that went with the song which gave it a 70's vibe. But most importantly I just think it's a beautiful song since it's one about awakening, change and new beginning, it perfectly reflected the 70's era since that was part of what that decade was about.
I kinda like how Santa's story has a bit of influence from the story of Moses, Christ, as well as Robin Hood, which I feel makes sense and all three characters were people that contributed to the well being of mankind. I really love how the film utilizes the cause and effect element because it has suttlety and reason that actually feels logical , from the reason he wears a red suit, how the reindeer had the ability to fly, the beard and many others. It's fascinating seeing how it all comes together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle forming a picture.
The characters are all well designed, diverse and the voice cast are great.
The late great Fred Astre as the Post Man narrator tells the story well, even like how the claymation character looks like the actor.
Paul Frees whom you probably know as the voice of Boris from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" is great as the Burgermeister. The Burgermeister is a good villain you love to dislike or plain dislike, let alone has a strange name that sounds like the name of a fast food chain. Anyway, this guy he is just a complete blowhole that just power crazy, miserable and want to make life miserable for everyone for no particular reason. The guy really does cross the line as we see one really dark scene where he has a pile of toys and creates a bonfire, which is disturbing reminiscent of the book burning party the Nazi's held. It really shows the evil of being fully selfish, contributing solely to ones self all the time will bear no fruit and will make life darker and miserable not just for others but yourself.
Mickey Rooney his voice just fits like a glove for Santa, believe it or not that was how I imagined would Santa would sound like. I really like how Santa is portrayed which make him all the more lovable. He's energetic, charitable, cheerful, charismatic, soicalble as he makes friends with fantasy characters, some humans, and animals. I love how his motive isn't just to delivery toys just for the sake of it, but really it's to bring joy and hope to people that very much need it or in short supply of it. But what I love most about his is that his spirit can never be broken, despite how hard things get for him as the film goes further, he never loses hope, he keeps going and grows as time goes on and become whom we all know and love him as.
This film has a good message about the importance of giving, how making a contribution in life either big or small can make the world a lot friendlier and people kinder to one another. But also to always have hope and faith, as long and you hold on to them both you and them will grow stronger.
The legend of Santa just like the Christmas season will live on forever as long as hope, faith, and kindness exist.
Rating: 4 stars
5 out of 7 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
