Here is a perfect example of classic childrens' entertainment that reflects the wholesome simplicity of The UK in the early 1990's.
From Raymond Griggs - creator of 'The Snowman', this short film is a fresh and innovative concept of Father Christmas. As a cockney living in the London suburbs, he spends the year directly after Christmas travelling round the world in his reindeer-drawn-sledge-turn-caravan, further confirming his status as an ordinary bloke.
This original portrayal of the seasons' icon is comparable to Rupert Bear's Father Christmas living in a castle in the clouds. Father Xmas' accessories - snow goggles, raincoat, umbrella, lunchbox with 'UXO' cubes, headlight on sledge - add further definition to the modern twist.
The aesthetic style and mood of this film are a vast departure from The Snowman. The latter perhaps lacks aesthetic finessed with its pencil sketch style, and has a mood/atmosphere that's too sombre, sentimental and poignant for some. This film however has a more sharp, vibrant and conventional cartoon visual style, and a more easy, feel-good and obviously humorous mood and vibe to match.
Regarding humour, this film is basically a comedy. For a grumpy Father Christmas who says 'Blooming' every few seconds, cockney comedian Mel Smith appeared the perfect candidate for his voice !
A feel-good atmosphere is abundant. The humour aside, the holiday scenes are a fresh, enlightening departure from the cold snowscape we normally associate with Father Christmas, particularly the Las Vegas poolside scene (I love the waitress in white brazil-bikini !). Subsequently, this film can be enjoyed all year round, hence the all-year-round time span and holiday theme of the film. (Sure, me and my sister watched this repeatedly during Easter Holidays '94 !)
So, lets give it 10/10 for being original, funny, enlightening and near-perfect !
From Raymond Griggs - creator of 'The Snowman', this short film is a fresh and innovative concept of Father Christmas. As a cockney living in the London suburbs, he spends the year directly after Christmas travelling round the world in his reindeer-drawn-sledge-turn-caravan, further confirming his status as an ordinary bloke.
This original portrayal of the seasons' icon is comparable to Rupert Bear's Father Christmas living in a castle in the clouds. Father Xmas' accessories - snow goggles, raincoat, umbrella, lunchbox with 'UXO' cubes, headlight on sledge - add further definition to the modern twist.
The aesthetic style and mood of this film are a vast departure from The Snowman. The latter perhaps lacks aesthetic finessed with its pencil sketch style, and has a mood/atmosphere that's too sombre, sentimental and poignant for some. This film however has a more sharp, vibrant and conventional cartoon visual style, and a more easy, feel-good and obviously humorous mood and vibe to match.
Regarding humour, this film is basically a comedy. For a grumpy Father Christmas who says 'Blooming' every few seconds, cockney comedian Mel Smith appeared the perfect candidate for his voice !
A feel-good atmosphere is abundant. The humour aside, the holiday scenes are a fresh, enlightening departure from the cold snowscape we normally associate with Father Christmas, particularly the Las Vegas poolside scene (I love the waitress in white brazil-bikini !). Subsequently, this film can be enjoyed all year round, hence the all-year-round time span and holiday theme of the film. (Sure, me and my sister watched this repeatedly during Easter Holidays '94 !)
So, lets give it 10/10 for being original, funny, enlightening and near-perfect !