The Christmas Raccoons

Before "Frosty Returns" (1992), this Christmas special, "The Christmas Raccoons", was one of the first Christmas specials to have an environmental message. Most Christmas specials have messages about togetherness, family and giving. Sure, this one does, but at least it doesn't cram it down your throat like "Frosty's Returns". The characters are interesting and likable. Bert Raccoon is a funny and lovable. The villain, Cyril Sneer, is a representation of corporate greed. Nothing says 1980's like corporate greed being abstracted in a cartoon. There are two things I would like to point out: The part where Ralph Raccoon (who akin to Melissa Raccoon, is the straight character/voice of reason), said to Bert, "Let the sleeping dog lie" is a laugh. Because it is reference to the old saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie." Another scene, is where Cedric Sneer, Cyril's son, held up a skinny Christmas tree and talked about Christmas. This is a blatant reference to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (read my review on this 1965 special). This Canadian cartoon referenced this American cartoon, 15 years later. If you want to spoof/reference/homage a childhood classic, you got to wait until you grow up. All in all, it is worth the watch, it is sweet, funny, and utterly charming. Not rated, but a TV-G will do.