Pages

Monday, December 10, 2012

12 Nights of Must-Watch Holiday Movies: Alvin's Christmas Carol


The Movie:
So, you might be familiar with the classic Chipmunk Christmas episode where Alvin buys a harmonica for a sick little boy or something like that . . . that's not this one, in my opinion this one is way better!  This is the early 90s version of Alvin & The Chipmunks take on A Christmas Carol.  As a very selfish Alvin who has been preoccupied with writing his gigantic Christmas list tries to finish his essay on the true meaning of Christmas that is due on Christmas eve.  He falls asleep and has a dream where he's shown the past, present, and future Christmases that have been touched by the way he is (you know that ol' chestnut).  I had this on VHS as a kid and loved it to pieces, I was THRILLED when my mom found it on a compilation DVD last year!!


Why It's A Must Watch:
This movie is simple, totally late 80s/early 90s (which I love), really funny and heartwarming, and only half an hour!  It carries the themes of selflessness and kindness usually associated with Christmas Carol stories, but it keeps it really simple and geared toward children's issues (not as "life & death"-y as the real Christmas carol) like being greedy with your Christmas wish list, the joy of gift giving, and taking the responsibility of your job (i.e. paperroute, homework) seriously.  As a bonus there is really catchy music and super-fabulous nostalgia for us parents that grew up watching this show!

My Rating:
Family Friendly all ages.  The traditional visits from Christmas spirits is portrayed clearly as a dream the entire time, never scary and they are referred to as "spirits" not "ghosts".  There's no language and no too troubling issues, this is a really really really mild take on the Christmas Carol, a nice way to get the point across without the heavy issues.

Your Movie Night:
Enjoy some frothy Christmas drinks like in the movie. Afterwards, you could come up with a list of ways you can celebrate Christmas as a time to give and spread joy and happiness to others like Alvin does at the end of the movie!  Then go do some of those things!!



No comments:

Post a Comment