CHRISTMAS SHORTS

1964 - U - 47 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A stop-motion masterpiece version of the classic Christmas tale which adds a bit of a festive twist when Rudolph encounters an abominable snowman.

Review:  A Christmas classic which continues to stand the test of time.  Other animated movies may be more advanced but many fail to meet this iconic story's festive charm.

1965 - G - 25 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tried to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.

Review:  A beloved animated special offering a thoughtful exploration of the true meaning of Christmas.  No doubt a Christmas favorite but does not make our movie list but watch it none-the-less!

1967 - G - 26 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville.

Review:  A classic that has delighted generations with vibrant storytelling and timeless holiday message, with iconic narration and the memorable sing "You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch".

1982 - G - 26 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: On Christmas Eve, a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas.

Review:  An annual staple in my house growing up in the 80s and 90s.  This magical story, with orchestral soundtrack, creates a warmth that encapsulates the wonder of Christmas that makes us all walk in the air.

1982 - G - 26 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell:  Sidelined by a nasty cold and feeling unneeded, Santa decides not to make his annual Christmas journey.  Elves Jingle and Jangle scour the world for people who still believe, hoping to convince Santa to make his trip, including trying to make it snow in a warm climate.

Review:  Mrs. Claus to the rescue.  This animated Christmas special with its great songs and jaunty delivery brings a lot of festive fun.

2022 - TV-14 - 42 MINS - COMEDY

Nutshell: With the Guardians taking over Knowhere, Peter expresses how he misses Christmastime on Earth.  Star Lord, Drax, Rocket, Mantis and Groot engage in some spirited shenanigans to fulfil Peter's wishes.

Review:  A subtle timeline filler from the MCU brains that fills in some backstory while also bringing a great deal of humor.  It is funny, and kidnapping Kevin Bacon to bring Christmas cheer to Peter is hilarious.  Loved the music aswell.

1970 - U - 48 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: Adopted by an elf family named Kringle, young Kris longs to restore the Kringle reputation as toymakers to the King, but the evil Burgermeister Meisterburger has outlawed toys in Sombertown.

Review:  A Santa origin story which continues to hold up well.  A great one for the kids, made more fun by one of the most ridiculously named villains ever.

1983 - G - 26 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A re-telling of the classic Dickens tale with Disney's classic characters with Scrooge McDuck cast as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Review:  While keeping core themes intact, this story is for a younger audience that evokes kindness and generosity.

1969 - U - 25 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A living snowman and a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician who is after the snowman's magic hat.

Review:  While keeping core themes intact, this story is for a younger audience that evokes kindness and generosity.

1991 - TV-G - 30 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell:   When Christopher Robin writes a letter to Santa and forgets to add what Pooh wanted for Christmas, Pooh tries to get the letter back and subsequently redeliver the letter to the North Pole. 

Review:  A show that is very much for the little ones with all the charm and warmth that you get from Winnie The Pooh.  Winnie dressing up as Santa, Piglet with magic earmuffs and Tigger delivering the humor, this is a great one to fit in every year!

2017 - TV-G - 30 MINS - DRAMA

Nutshell:  Set in Ireland in the 1910s, 'Angela's Christmas' is a funny, heart-warming and poignant story about the power of family and the innocent desire of a child to ensure everyone is safe, warm and loved at Christmas time.

Review:  A great animated story, with fundamental values and amplifying the meaning of Christmas.  Adult reviewers - remember this is for the kids!

2023 -PG - 38 MINS - DRAMA

Nutshell: On Christmas Eve, a fighter pilot on his way home gets lost mid-flight and needs a miracle to land safely.

Review:  A heartwarming story that is a bit different to the many other options.  A nice way to spend 40 minutes when you are a little busier.  A lot of observations on small inaccuracies but most won't notice (e.g. beards not allowed, incorrect aircraft).