The Forgotten Toys

Anyone who has seen 'Toy Story', 'Toy Story 2', "The Christmas Toy," or any number of Yuletide tales about abandoned playthings that long to be with their children again will appreciate the premise of this oddly touching little cartoon. Though the plot itself is nothing original, and the neatly-packaged ending comes as no surprise, this is a feature that is both skillfully animated and directed with style. Bob Hoskins' voicework is perfect -- his Teddy Bear is a rough-and-tumble, adorably irascible character. The pencil-sketch like animation is reminiscent of "The Snowman," one of my favorite holiday films -- both cartoons share a dreamlike, snow-covered vision of the holidays.

The song that is the centerpiece of this cartoon deserves special notice. Usually musical numbers in Christmas features are forgettable to an extreme degree (when's the last time you hummed "It Nearly Wasn't Christmas"?), but the song the doll sings in "The Forgotten Toys" is heartbreakingly beautiful. It actually brought tears to my eyes, but then, I'm just an old softie.

Having recently been strongly recommended 'The Forgotten Toys', having noted my love for animation old and new, by a fellow IMDb user, after tracking it down and seeing it beggars belief as to how I'd never seen it before or even had knowledge of it.

You know that it is a good sign when something leaves such a strong impression on you and getting it out of your head is difficult. 'The Forgotten Toys' did that with me, easily one of the best first-time viewings had in a while and to say how the recommendation is hugely appreciated is an understatement. Definitely deserves to be up there with the Christmas classics and should be seen more.

The animation is truly stunning and sometimes positively dream-like, reminding one fondly of the seasonal classics based on the work of Raymond Briggs such as 'The Snowman'. The music is sensitively scored and whimsical, with the doll's song, that serves as a centrepiece, really tugging at the heart-strings.

Immediately standing out about 'The Forgotten Toys' was the emotional impact. One of the strongest examples recently of a story that captures the holiday spirit and subject matter splendidly and does so while warming the heart of the viewer and moving them to tears without being manipulative or trying too hard. Pacing is gentle but always involving.

Characters are likable and engaging, and the voice work couldn't be more perfect, standing out in particular with the most interesting character being Bob Hoskins.

On the whole, unforgettable and captivating. 10/10 Bethany Cox

a different form of classic animation . or only isle of old craft. after years, it remains fresh and touching. for message, for the role of answer to new technologies, for the delicate colors and for three memorable characters. it is an adaptation but a remarkable one. for its poor clothes, for the art to remember basic things who gives sense to life, for the warm atmosphere and for the science to resurrect the colors of childhood. and it is enough to be a form of oasis or only an isle , special refuge in middle of animation revolutions, not a Disney or Miramax but slice from a sensitivity who refuse be part of fashion or rule.

I've been searching for the title of this series/film for YEARS now and when I FINALLY discovered the name of this adorable film I was filled with glee. The Forgotten Toys has inspired me much in my art and I could never forget these two lovable characters. Despite the lack of creativity put into the storyline of this animation it is still a very moving film which has truly affected me. Though I do believe this film has been forgotten, it is a reminder of how much effort they SHOULD put into character development and storyline, seeing as most recent animated films have lacked effort of character development and storyline. Sadly this film doesn't get the appreciation it deserves, I would truly like to see this film in the theaters again one day.