Firstly I feel I must apologise for those of you who were expecting to see my opinions on the Irving Berlin Christmas musical classic "Holiday Inn" today, alas, due to various constraints that all culminated in me not actually having any way to see Holiday Inn without paying or doing so in an illegal manner. So, apologies. BUT do not fret for in its stead I bring you a Peanuts holiday caper entitled simply "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Let us begin.
The Christmas Story
Charlie Brown is feeling a bit down as a result of the festive period and goes to Lucy for advice at her infamous psychiatric booth. She tells him that to combat the blues he has to get involved and play a more active part in the festivities, so she asks him to direct the school’s Christmas play. A play, which in the initial stages simply consists of Schroeder playing a jaunty, heavily Beethoven influenced tune, Snoopy busting out the jams on his guitar and everyone grooving to their own beat. Through this theatrical endeavour, and obviously the friendship of his pals, he hopes to have a truly happy non-commercial holiday bonanza. A snappily dressed child trying to discover the true meaning of Christmas, that my friends is pretty damn Christmassy. 4/5.
The Voice of Christmas
The blanket loving Linus Van Pelt is the film’s truest spirit of Christmas. He embodies all the ideas and ideals that really make a good festive celebration. He is fully aware that Christmas is a “truly wonderful season” He thinks quick on his feet turning his blanket into a rather fetching shepherd hat. And on top of all that it is he who, by some off the head reciting of the true Christmas story, reminds Charlie Brown and the rest of the kids that Christmas isn’t about commercialism, presents and keeping your curly hair curly it is about friendship, kinship, camaraderie and joy. He brings everyone together, helps decorates Charlie’s sad little tree and leads the gang in a rousing rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” What a Christmas Trooper. 5/5
The Annoying Li’l Girl (at Christmas)
To anyone aware of the joy that is Peanuts won’t be too surprised by the person who fills this particular place, Linus’ older sister and professional fuss-budget Lucy Van Pelt. She’s snobby, egotistical, self centred and seems only to care about financial gain. To be fair most of the girls that feature in this Peanuts Christmas special are particularly aggravating and irksome. They mock poor Charlie Brown relentlessly even finding fault in his attempts to find a really authentic Christmas tree, yes it’s small and has seen better days but there is no need for such bullying. Especially at Christmas. 3/5
The Christmas Miracle
It’s amazing that Charlie Brown keeps going back to Lucy’s psychiatrist booth. You’d think by now he’d realise that it’s a massive money making hoax! He seems to always leave her booth more worried and upset about things than he was when he arrived. Much like the football kicking Lucy has quite the miraculous grasp over poor old Charlie Brown, and seeing as how he is easily her best and most frequent customer you’d think that that’d make her more willing to be nicer to him. She must have quite a good marketing department. 2/5
The Christmas Message
All of these kids who feel that Christmas is about commercialism and presents and personal gain eventually learn that the true meaning of Christmas is one of peace and goodwill to all men, even to blockheads like Charlie Brown. 3/5
Additional Notes
-“In spite of my outward appearance I will try and keep a clean inn” Ah Pig Pen the irony isn’t lost on me! (+1)
-Snoopy’s animal impressions are awesome and the actual Peanuts comics that that happens in are some of the best! (+2)
-There are so many skits and sketches that take jokes straight from the comics and render them on screen for all to see. (+2)
OVERALL FESTIVITY RATING - 22/25
Tomorrow Home Alone Coz leaving your kid alone this Christmas does not necessarily spell disaster and a visit from social services.
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