Simply A Masterpiece

Overrated

Fresh and Exciting

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

"The Smurfs Christmas Special" is an Emmy-nominated 23-minute short film from 1982, so it has its 35th anniversary this year. As it features the Smurfs, it is an animated film of course. In terms of length and contents, you can probably say that it's pretty much just another Smurfs episode with the exception that there is focus on winter and Christmas in here and that Gargamel is not the primary antagonist in here. or lets say not the evil one. This is the story of two children away from home and they make friends with the Smurfs while Gargamel and an evil sorcerer are looking for them. There are weaknesses for sure, for example that Gargamel makes a pact with him that says if he brings him the kids then he can destroy the Smurfs. Strangely enough, Gargamel finds the children in the Smurf village, but instead of following through with his lifelong goal of catching/destroying the Smurfs, he just takes the children away. And, even if the song near the end was pretty nice, it is a bit absurd how it defeats pure evil and the flames as well. A very children-friendly film that is maybe a bit more dramatic than usual. But there are funny moments again as well, such as Gargamel's cat laughing at his owner's singing voice and a couple more depending on your subjective humor. I personally enjoyed the watch and it's a decent choice to see at the holidays. Thumbs up.

The Smurfs try to help two little kids who have an evil uncle out to kidnap them. Gargamel is out to ruin the Smurfs' Christmas because....well, he's Gargamel, isn't that reason enough? The two plots collide when the uncle invites Gargamel in on the kidnapping plot. A fun TV Christmas special from my childhood with a few surprisingly dark moments for a cartoon series known for its saccharinity. For the most part, it's exactly what you might expect if you've seen the series. Look, it's The Smurfs, so how you feel about them will decide how much you like this special. I grew up on them so nostalgia may be coloring my view somewhat, but I enjoy this even today. The Smurfs are likable, from Brainy to Hefty to Papa Smurf and so on. The kids are cute, especially when they think Papa is Santa Claus. The uncle, who wears a snazzy purple outfit complete with cape, is a hissable villain if there ever was one. In the end, he's revealed to be....well, you'll see. It's the Smurfs and it's Christmas -- both of those things tend to lend themselves to ridicule from cynical types. While I see how it could be viewed sarcastically, it's one of those things that I can put aside my snarky "adult" attitude once a year and enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome and upbeat story about good vs evil and the power of love.

The Smurfs Christmas Special (1982) *** (out of 4) It's Christmas time at Smurf land but Gargamel and his dirty cat have kidnapped two children who he is going to give to a mysterious stranger who has also kidnapped their uncle. The Smurfs find out what's going on and decide to use the Christmas spirit to rescue them. THE SMURFS Christmas SPECIAL isn't the greatest short you're ever going to watch but if you're a fan of the television show then you should find enough humor here to make it worth watching. I was a little surprised but for a Christmas special there's really not too much Christmas stuff going on. The main story actually has very little to do with the holiday and when you learn what the stranger is up to it really doesn't make too much sense and especially for a Christmas special. The film offers up some good animation and I thought there were some very funny moments. This is especially true with Grumpy Smurf and his constant complaints.

There's no shortage of Smurf-related Xmas episodes, but this 1982 special is kinda fun. I would hardly say that it's required Xmas viewing. It doesn't even feel that festive, however there's enough snow and insistence on good cheer to make it worthwhile.The Smurfs are busy preparing for Xmas but get involved with Gargamel who is playing both sides in missing children plot. I don't really get Gargamel, to be honest. He's just evil for the sake of being evil. I mean...what's his motivation? His lust for gold can't be all that makes him get up in the morning. He also stole Dick Dastardly's voice. They sound exactly the same.I wish had some Smurfs.