“Olive, the Other Reindeer” – Review

Drawn Barrymore

Based on the popular children’s book by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold, this brilliant Groening-ization is one of my favorite Christmas specials, ranking right up there with The Grinch and Peanuts.

Drew Barrymore, Dan Castellaneta, Joe Pantoliano, Jay Mohr, Ed Asner and even R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe voice the witty, wacky and whimsical writing that will keep you laughing for the entire 45 minutes.

Problems arise when Blitzen gets hurt and Santa remarks that they’ll see if they can’t get by with “all of the other reindeer.”

Olive (Barrymore), a sweet pooch who’s not interested in normal doggie stuff, misunderstands and believes that Santa is asking for “Olive, the other reindeer” and answers the call while trying to stay a step ahead of an evil mailman (Castellaneta) who’s threatened to “hand cancel” her.

The 2D/3D animation is really something to see. While the backgrounds are animated in beautiful computer 3D, the characters stay flat and the end result is simply fascinating to watch.

The songs are a joy as well. My Favorite Day, The Postman Song, We’re Not So Bad (the best as far as I’m concerned) and Merry Christmas After All all keep you singing them for at least a day or so afterwards.

Of course there’s plenty of hidden humor throughout that rewards you for paying close attention (keep an eye out for Quadruped Gap) and some just plain odd moments with an angry bunny.

What impresses me most though is how the movie perfectly balances subversive Simpsons style silliness with a sweetness that often catches you off guard. When Olive first attempts flying with the reindeer you really do find yourself hoping beyond hope that this little dog can actually fly.

Please give Olive, the Other Reindeer a look this holiday season. I think you’ll discover, as I did, a new Christmas classic.

“Powerpuff Girls – ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas” – Review

Chemical X-mas

I never thought I’d be telling anyone this, but I have a terrible terrible secret. Although I consider myself a loving husband, father and just plain regular Joe, I can’t stay in the closet any longer. Here goes…

I watch the Powerpuff Girls.

Whew! You know what? I feel better! It’s like a giant weight has been lifted off of my shoulders!

Yep, once we got Direct TV and Cartoon Network, I found myself watching Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles fighting crime with their “ultra super powers” fairly regularly.

So I was intrigued when I discovered ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas and thought I’d give it a shot.

The plot centers around little red-haired girl (no, not that one) Princess Morbucks’ Christmas wish for the only thing money has been unable to buy her – membership in the Powerpuff Girls.

After receiving a truckload of coal instead, Princess decides her only chance to is to break into Santa’s workshop (in a wonderful Mission Impossible sort of way) and switch the nice and naughty lists around to her advantage.

Of course the girls save the day, Princess is added to Santa’s permanent naughty plaque (to quote Santa, “Dum, dum dummmmmmmmmm!”) and everyone gets to enjoy Christmas thanks to the Powerpuff Girls.

There’s a lot of really nice jokes (especially with the Morbucks’ chauffer, butler and nanny) and the funny looks, goofy repetition and hilarious uncomfortable silences that are McCracken and crew’s cartoon calling card.

There’s even a nod to that most beloved of Christmas movies, A Christmas Story, when Buttercup is told she’ll “shoot her eye out!”

The simple yet deceptively clever art and character design continues to serve the series well (I especially enjoyed the t-shirt clad Santa with the giant hairy belly button) and the writing continues to shine, although at times it felt like they were stretching to fill the 44 minutes. I’d bet a little prudent editing and this would have been a killer 22 minutes.

All in all a pretty decent offering, and certainly better than the slew of commercial Christmas cartoon crap that’s out there. But in the end I think a little less ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas would have been a lot more.