The Christmas Toy (1986)
It's Christmas Eve and the playroom is alive with excitement for the new toys that will arrive the next day. Balthazar, the old and wise bear, explains to the other toys that they must welcome the newcomers even though each of them may be replaced as one of the children's new favorite toys.
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The Worst Film Ever
Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.
On Xmas Eve 1986 I saw the first 10 minutes of this special but I had to go out and I missed the rest of it. The idea of toys coming alive might not seem like such a new idea in post-Toy Story world, but since this is live-action, and uses the talents of Jim Henson, I'd prefer this over the Pixar behemoth.The story is virtually identical to Toy Story, with toy boss Rugby (a stuffed lion) not too keen on his rule being usurped by the imminent unwrapping of this year's present. The Christmas Toy has a new edge though in that if the humans catch them out of their reset position they remain frozen forever.It's shot and lit in a magical way though it goes on just a bit too long. I am still glad I finally managed to figure out what exactly it was, it only took me 27 years.
Fans of Jim Henson, like me, will simply love The Christmas Toy. I love Christmas, toys and Jim Henson's work so The Christmas Toy was a perfect treat.The visuals are splendid, right from the camera work, the toys themselves, the set design and the colours. The music delights too, with hummable melodies and lyrics that really sparkle with wit, freshness and poignancy.Story-wise, The Christmas Toy has lots of charm and heart, and succeeds in appealing to children and adults. The writing has a perfect balance of humour and sentiment without overdoing either.Might I also mention how adorable the characters are and how consistently good the voice work is from everybody? Overall, a jewel that anybody would love, albeit sadly underrated. 10/10 Bethany Cox
As the mother of two females, I would recommend this movie, even to the young of heart. We first saw this movie when my youngest, must have been around 2 1/2. Her older sister, who is now an elementary educator was around 9 1/2. We loved this movie. I had taped this to a VHS tape that no longer works. I have been looking for it for quite some time and watching for it on TV. I was afraid I had the title incorrect. As we are about to become grandparents, for the first time, I would love to obtain a DVD for our future generations to enjoy. I would love to have my (soon to be) grandchildren see this "classic" when they are visiting their grandparents. What a wonderful tradition we can start. It's a wonderful movie and I am so glad I finally found it. Thank you Jim Henson!
Two reviewers have already mentioned 'Toy Story'. I can't help but wonder if John Lassetter had seen this special before he made that movie. This isn't in any way to take away from the genius of either Henson or Lassetter, both of whom have been named as latter day Disneys, a sentiment I agree with.There are some intriguing similarities:1 - The overall idea of toys coming alive.2 - The theme of a toy being replaced in a child's affections and how the toy might feel.3 - Toys to the rescue!4 - A science-fictional toy believing they are real. Can't you just see Meteora and Buzz Lightyear hooking up?!