The Legend of Frosty the Snowman and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
As Christmas-time is now upon us, it is time to revisit the films and specials that help remind us of the Christmas spirit and magic as well. This year, I will be taking a journey across 12 different aspects of Christmas/Holiday films ending on Christmas Eve. I had only 3 definitions for a Christmas movie and one rule. Not all that I watched will follow all of these definitions but, at least had to be present to count for this endeavor.
1. The film/special had to happen on Christmas (December 23rd-25th).
2. Christmas had to be the motivation behind whatever shenanigans occur.
3. Christmas has to be prevalent and the main theme throughout.
The only rule I have is that the films cannot be religious. I have nothing against religion however, I wanted to focus more on what I call Secular Christmas. One film skirts this rule a little bit but, the reasoning will be explained during that piece. With the formalities out of the way, let Christmas commence!
The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
Many years ago, one of the most recognizable Christmas songs was created, "Frosty the Snowman" and with it came an equally recognizable television special. This is not what I wanted to talk about. Some 30-odd years later, a new Frosty special would come along to reintroduce the mischievous snowman to a new generation "The Legend of Frosty the Snowman". The tale of how the perfect and controlled town of Evergreen learned to believe in magic and fun again would be narrated by the late Burt Reynolds. The story opens showing us how regimented the town is with the emphasis on following rules and perfection. Not a bad thing however, there is a lack of joy that becomes quickly apparent. Frosty begins to appear to the children and teaches them how to have fun. The parents are horrified to discover their children no longer listen to them and are breaking the rules. Or, you know, acting like children. As a note, the special does indirectly show how the extreme rules and strict schedule are not a good thing. The villain doesn't like his control being taken away and tries to hide Frosty's hat. A futile gesture but, seemed worth a try. Overall, "The Legend of Frosty the Snowman" is an enjoyable watch and the update was well done.
Rating: 3.8/5
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
While I had heard of "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" once before, I had never seen it nor knew anyone who had. It is a simple tale of Emmet and Ma Otter, poor along the river, who separately enter a talent competition to buy special gifts for Christmas. There is a mention of the River Bottom Gang who don't really do anything besides be loud and mess up a couple of stores without caring. They also enter (last-minute) with their rock band. Other than this minor (and I mean minor) obstacle, the Gang serves no real antagonistic purpose. They are just there. Kermit the Frog introduces the tale as a nice cameo (and to show off his bike riding skills). While well-made with excellent music (mostly folk songs), "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" feels like a not fully thought out story and was trying too hard to be palatable to young kids and parents. Not really something I would seek out to watch again.
Rating: 2.5/5
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