Friday, February 4, 2000

Destined to Become a Classic

Mickey's Christmas Carol. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Toy that Saved Christmas. What do these have in common? They are all classic Christmas movies for children which appeal just as highly to adults. The Toy that Saved Christmas may not quite be a classic yet since it's so new, but it's well on its way.

In a quaint little town, it's Christmas and trouble is brewing. The source? Wally P. Nezzer, owner of the huge toy store that looms over the houses below in the valley. The children are already excited about Christmas when Mr. Nezzer airs his commercial convincing kids that they need a Buzz-saw Louie for Christmas. The town in thrown into a melee of whining kids as the youngsters urge their parents to buy them this most sought-after toy.

One Buzz-saw Louie, however, "wakes up". For one reason or another he comes to life, and he doesn't like the messages brought forth from pressing his button: "Christmas is when you get stuff." "You need more toys." "Billy has more toys than you." So he sets out to set things right and is discovered by the sledriding Bob, Larry and Junior. Together, with the help of a very wise narrator, they discover the true meaning of Christmas and launch a plan to inform the rest of the town.

Their medium is a television commercial, since that was what started all the trouble. Sneaking into Wally's palace, they use his studio to enlighten the public. Unfortunately, they are caught. The end of the movie is a thrilling, twisty-turny ride leading to the unification of the town and the universal discovery that Christmas is about giving, not getting.

Stunning animation, particularly in the penguin chase scenes, make this movie all the more memorable, and the Silly Song stands on its own as a wonderful mini Christmas story. This is one holiday film your family won't want to miss.

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