WC's Christmas PART 3: Top 5 INDIFFERENT Christmas Specials!!!

Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.

Welcome to Part 3 of Whatsoever Critic's Christmas.

I've already listed the bad specials, and I've already listed the good. So, today I'm going to list... the specials I feel INDIFFERENT about. So, pull up a chair and get ready for my Top 10 Christmas Specials that I felt INDIFFERENT to.

5. Annabelle's Wish

I saw this special when I was little. We had this on VHS or something like that.

It follows a young cow that dreams of being like one of Santa's reindeer- she wants to fly, that is. She also befriends a boy named Billy that can't speak because of a family tragedy. Eventually, she helps Billy find his voice; and ultimately she gets rewarded with her wish.

-I don't think I'm giving anything away when I say that she gets rewarded.

I liked how Randy Travis had a lot to do with this movie. He was the narrator, one of the characters, and he sings some of the songs.

-Who does love Randy Travis songs?

For the movie itself, I was indifferent because it was original, although it was reported that it took up to 14 people to write this movie.

-This movie was apparently based on a short story by Dan Henderson. So why all the writers?

Plus, I felt that some of the content felt forced. I realize that it was trying to show emotion, but sometimes it's best to not have too much of it. Other than that, it succeeded in teaching the moral that Christmas should be more about giving than just receiving.

4. The Polar Express

Based on the book of the same book, The Polar Express was pretty impressive to watch. The animation was amazing. The acting was done well.

-Tom Hanks was pretty awesome. He played, I think, three different characters: the train conductor, the strange guy on the train top (who's apparently a ghost?), and Santa himself.

The reason why I was indifferent on this one is because I felt that it was really long. 

-I mean, what's the running time for this movie? (researching... 1 hour 40 minutes) I still felt it was long.

Plus, I couldn't help but get teary-eyed throughout most of this film, because the movie's message is crystal-clear: don't let the magic of Christmas die because you grew up. 

-And yes. I'm one of those people that tends to get emotional while watching movies like this.

3. Veggietales: Saint Nicholas- A Story of Joyful Giving

I was tempted to put this one on my list of the BEST Christmas specials, but instead, I put it in this list. Why? Well... I'll give you a walkthrough.

The special follows the Veggies gang trying to brighten the spirits of Laura Carrot who's father is struggling to keep his job after his delivery car breaks down, and a crabby mechanic won't have it fixed until after Christmas... when the father pays up.

Seeing this predicament, Bob and Larry gather the kids and tell them the story of how a guy named Nicholas became Santa Claus by giving to the needy. And...

-... I don't think I'm giving anything away when I say this...

...the Veggies gang come together to pay off the repairs for Laura's father's car, and Laura and her father are grateful.

I was indifferent on this one, because it felt like a Christian version of Rankin/Bass's Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, except there's no Fred Astaire and no Burgermeister Meisterburger, but Bob and Larry narrating, as well as a villain that one can point out and say, "Oh, that reminds of Burgermeister..." or "Oh, discount Burgermeister."

Anyway, this special was an "okay" special.

2. Veggietales: The Toy That Saved Christmas

Now I know that last year I did a review on this video and already gave my concensus on it. However, I can't help but be indifferent on this one.

-I think I felt that way in the review. I don't remember. If you haven't read that review yet, check it out.

I don't know; I just felt that it deserved the INDIFFERENT treatment.

1. The Little Drummer Boy and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (Rankin/Bass)

I decided to put both of these specials in the number one spot on this list, because...

-Well, not because they're both from the production company...

...but because both specials spoke to me. Were they good messages to me? Were they good lessons for me? Um... let's start with The Little Drummer Boy.

That one's about a boy forced into servitude for a con man, made to perform for hundreds of people after his parents die in a fire. He grows to hate grown-ups, because he felt that grown-ups were responsible for putting him into servitude. But when he comes across three wise men that are visiting the baby Jesus in the Nativity scene, the boy learns to let go of his emotions and famously play his drum for the Lord.

Coming back to that special as an adult, I couldn't help but emotional with this one, although I wasn't like that as a kid. The reason why that is, is because I understand the message that it's trying to tell: forgive and forget the wrong that people have done to you. I find it hard to forgive sometimes, but I'm still learning.

Moving on...

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer... the story is basic: a misfit is made fun of; he runs away from home to find acceptance; he meets other characters that share his pain; he's called upon to save Christmas; he eventually saves Christmas; and he's finally accepted.

-Simple, right?

I was as indifferent as I was with The Little Drummer Boy, because it spoke to me. Growing up, I was avoiding this special, because it felt awkward: the scenario, the characters, and the quality. But after revisiting this special as an adult, I decided to give this one another try if it comes on on TV, because again... it spoke to me. Why? Because I felt the same pain as Rudolph did. We were both bullied when we were kids. We were both looking for acceptance among our peers and family. It was THAT relatable.

Overall, both specials felt indifferent, because they spoke to me in different ways to where it made sense to me.

And that's my INDIFFERENT list of Christmas specials. Stay tuned for more Whatsoever Critic's Christmas! The fun isn't over yet!

Whatsoever Critic

Sources:

Annabelle's Wish

The Polar Express

Veggietales

The Little Drummer Boy

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Courtesy: Ralph Edwards Productions/Hallmark Entertainment; Warner Bros.; Big Idea; and Rankin/Bass.

WC's Christmas PART 2: Top 6 BEST Christmas Specials!!!

Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.

Welcome to Part 2 of Whatsoever Critic's Christmas! Now as promised, I'm here to give you the Top 10 BEST Christmas specials. Last time, it was the specials I thought were bad. But this time, this list has the good specials.
So kick back and relax, and enjoy my Top 6 Best Christmas specials!!

6. Veggietales: The Star of Christmas

I'm almost thinking about doing a review on this special. It's about Bob and Larry trying to do a show on Christmas, but faces conflict with a church that's performing the Nativity story on the exact same night.
I liked this special, because it touched on a subject of Christmas that people would take for granted nowadays: the giving and love part. I especially love the scene where Bob and Larry visit a cell mate with a cup of hot cocoa and a plate of cookies, so that he wouldn't be alone on Christmas. Plus, the special was funny and interesting to watch.
The special was so good, that it spawned a sequel, which was... you guessed it! An Easter Carol.

5. The Year Without A Santa Claus (Rankin/Bass)

I wasn't sure whether to put this one on my INDIFFERENT list, but when I saw this special again, I decided to go easy on it.
It shows Mrs. Claus telling us a story about the time Santa Claus got sick, and had to stay home from delivering presents to the children. The world hears about this, and it's up to Mrs. Claus and her elves to bring back the Christmas spirit. Even one kid is touched by the spirit of Christmas, and helps save Christmas.
The special wasn't so back. I mean, I was able to sit through it. So, good job, Rankin/Bass.

4. Shrek The Halls

This special would play every holiday season on ABC. Personally, this special is funny and entertaining. The comedy is impressive, because it's Shrek at his best. Plus, it goes farther than just having a Christmas party. And, it shares a lesson in celebrating Christmas with friends and family.

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

This is like the staple of Christmas special. People know this special by heart, and it's already a holiday TV tradition. The comedy is great; the story is creative; and the message is simple. Why? Because Charlie Brown shows us that Christmas is not about materialism, but something more: being together on Christmas.

2. Mickey's Christmas Carol

Now, I know I did a review on this special last year. But I'm telling you: this version of the Charles Dickens classic is way better than Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. It's got Disney characters in their respective roles. (For example, Scrooge McDuck as the respective role of Ebenezer Scrooge.) Personally, I love this special. It has heart; it has funny moments; and it's to the point; whereas Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol was nonsensical and uncomfortable to sit through.

1. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Rankin/Bass)

If Frosty the Snowman and whatever he's associated with was hard to sit through, then Santa Claus Is Coming To Town is definitely a better choice for me.
This follows the story of how Kris Kringle became Jolly Old St. Nick. It's straightforward; it's memorable; and I know almost every line from this special.
-It's that good!
I especially liked the humor in this special, especially with the villain Burgermeister Meisterburger. I don't know which villain he learned off of, but this guy is a riot!
I especially liked Fred Astaire as the special's narrator. I believe that Rankin/Bass made a better of narrator than they did with Jimmy Durante in Frosty the Snowman.
-Well... I respect Jimmy Durante. God bless him. But he should've been a narrator elsewhere...
Anyway, I see this as one of the best Christmas specials that I know.

So that was my Top 6 BEST Christmas Specials! Stay tuned for the specials that went on the INDIFFERENT list.

Whatsoever Critic
Sources:
Veggietales: The Star of Christmas
The Year Without A Santa Claus
Shrek the Halls
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Courtesy: Big Idea; Rankin/Bass; DreamWorks; Bill Melendez Productions; and Disney.

WC's Christmas PART 1: Top 6 WORST Chrismas Specials

Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.

And welcome to Whatsoever Critic's Christmas! Yeah, since we're in the month of all the Christmas shopping, all the gift-giving, and all the pigging out on the cookies, egg nog, and other stuff... I've decided to do a countdown of my WORST, BEST, and INDIFFERENT Christmas specials that I have seen as a kid and as an adult.
So, welcome to Part 1 of this segment. Now, before we can get to the good things in life, we have to get the bad ones over with, right?

6. Rudolph's Shiny New Year (Rankin/Bass)

This one was so forgettable when I was a kid. In fact, it didn't feel like a legit Christmas special. I mean, what, Father Time's son disappears; Rudolph vows to rescue the baby, while befriending a cave man and Ben Franklin (?)...
-(pausing in confusion) I don't know!
... and it turns out a large bird is behind all the problems...?
The plot alone was confusing and strange. Why is it here? What's the purpose?

5. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

I like the song that this special was based on... NOT THE SPECIAL ITSELF!
The special centers around an old grandma that was... run over by a reindeer... and goes missing. The grandson believes that he can get his grandma back, because she owns a bakery. But his "evil" adult cousin Mel wants to sell the store for cold hard cash. Sooner or later, Santa himself becomes involved with trying to bring Grandma back, but then he's being sued by Mel for having part in Grandma's disappearance... and so that she can sue Santa for everything that he has, which, of course, would make her rich.
-It's people like Mel that I hate, because all they care about is money, money, money... That's like an overused cliche for most villains in most bad movies.
Thank God Nostalgia Critic reviewed this movie, because I didn't really care for this one. It was weird; it was prolonging; and it was just a dull waste.

4. Jack Frost (Rankin/Bass)

This one felt like a hopeless romantic story. It's about a magical person that's in love with a beautiful woman. He hopes to marry her, and even becomes human himself, so that he can be with her; but she falls in love with someone else.
-Wait, isn't this like a male version of The Little Mermaid? Awkward.
Anyway, I didn't like it, because the main character doesn't get the girl. It was sad. Plus, the focus isn't really on Christmas, but they managed to fit in Groundhog's Day...
-...for some twisted reason...
...and all it is is trying to win over someone you love. It didn't seem like a legit Christmas special... and yet ABC Family continues to air this special every year, don't they?

3. Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

If you haven't read my review for this special, go ahead and do it right now.
But, to be fair, I wouldn't say that this is the worst Christmas special ever. I mean, it's entertainingly bad. I mean, don't be surprised if you find any memes for this special or Youtube mashup videos on it.
My review would explain its awkwardness. So, it's best to check out the review.

2. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (Rankin/Bass)

Talk about inconsistent and strange! It's awful!
I mean, if a special can't decide if it wants to be a Christmas special or if it wants to be a adult-based fantasy, then how should it know what audience it wants to appeal to? Does it appeal to kids? Fantasy-enthusiasts? Young adults? Who?
Plus, it claims to be all about Christmas, when in actuality, the month is July, and... it's just a circus performing to the audience/ This was obviously phoned in as a half-ass crossover special, so that two Christmas icons can come together and perform at the story's circus setting.
-By the way, Frosty has kids and a wife?
-Plus, if Rudolph's bright-nose ability was given to him by a magical fairy, on the condition that he does good and no evil with it... I thought he was born with the nose ability! That was proven in Rankin/Bass's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
-And wait, if you destroy the evil Wizard, then Frosty and his family melts? Shouldn't it be the other way around: destroy the Wizard so that they wouldn't melt? That's f**ked up!

1. Frosty the Snowman (Rankin/Bass)

(By now, you're thinking: How dare you, Whatsoever Critic! You don't appreciate a holiday classic! How come? Just let me explain.)
It's not that I don't appreciate holiday classics. What gets to me, though, is that I want holiday classics to do themselves right. Not like this childish, poorly-written, half-assed joke of a special. The animation was inconsistent. The voice-acting sounded like it was done in one go. The characters were lame and underdeveloped.
-If there was anything in value, was Jimmy Durante as both the narrator and singer. And that's it!
When I saw this special as a kid, I didn't know any better. I had allowed myself to immerse myself in this awkwardness. Now that I'm an adult, its awkwardness continues to haunt me.
Why is it here? I know this was based on a short story... that someone wrote. I guess the story wasn't meant to become a TV special, but only a written work. However, if you want to turn a written work into a TV special, then go for it, but do it as an adult! Do it right!

And that's my Worst Christmas Specials list! Stay tuned for my BEST Christmas Specials list. Yes, the bad comes before the good. I promise you, you'll like this next list better.

Whatsoever Critic
Sources:
Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
Jack Frost
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July
Frosty the Snowman

Courtesy: Rankin/Bass and SFM Entertainment/Warner Home Video

Editorial: Is "Veggietales In The House" A Hit or Miss? Pt. 2

Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.

Welcome to Part 2 of my editorial on Big Idea's Netflix series Veggietales In The House.

This past weekend, I posted Part 1 of this editorial. Also, this past weekend, I had posted a video on something from the Netflix series that just took me aback.

You know I go on and on in this blog about my favorite superhero of all time: LarryBoy.

Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the Netflix series has hinted that LarryBoy will be on the show. The kind-of-sort-of bad news is... the concept art for LarryBoy if he's going to appear on Veggietales In The House.

I mean, look at the design and tell me that that's going beyond the original design. I mean, he still has his famous plunger ears. But the rest of the costume is a different color and futuristic-looking. And seriously? He has wings now?
-What, are they trying to make him like Buzz Lightyear or something?
And the mask...
-It's see-through. There's a reason why his mask in the original design wasn't see-through. It was to keep a low profile. This... this is just saying: "Hi, guys! It's me, Larry, but right now I'm LarryBoy, but... I don't think I'm hiding my face well, am I?"

However, my guess is that this was Big Idea's way of saying sorry for the disappointing payoffs in The League of Incredible Vegetables,

but I did grass.

So, how am I, as far as the new costume design?

Eh...

The reason why I say "Eh..." is because I'm already seeing changes in the things I love left and right. Well, maybe LarryBoy would be so much cooler with the new costume design. Who knows? However, there was nothing wrong with the original design. Purple and yellow were his trademark colors, and should be treated as such.
-It's kind of like the new Chica design for Five Nights at Freddy's 2. She looked fat and ugly in the first installment, but in the sequel, she's a lot more attractive-looking with the hips and thighs. (I'm only saying...) But in this case, LarryBoy looks more futuristic and different than he did before.

So, basically, you can think what you want with the new costume design for LarryBoy. You can love it, or hate it; but hopefully, Big Idea doesn't take away his likability... THEN I would have a problem.

Whatsoever Critic
Source: Veggietales In The House

Courtesy: Big Idea/DreamWorks