Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

The only time I ever heard about this movie is when I pass by it each time I visit Hollywood Video. I've never seen it on TV or seen commercials, but after working with Disney and becoming a big fan, I figure I should give this Christmas special a chance. And it paid off! This is a very nice, funny, and heartwarming movie, and frankly, I'm surprised we don't hear more about it every Christmas.

My favorite character, Donald, opens the movie strongly with a hilarious episode reminiscent of the great Bill Murray comedy, 'Groundhog Day.' Huey, Dewey, and Louie wish everyday were Christmas, and soon learn they wished for more than they bargained for. In the end, they learn an important lesson, as does anyone watching this episode. Who among us didn't wish we had Christmas everyday when we were kids? This episode also has a memorable visit with the Duck family, including Daisy and Scrooge.

Next up is Goofy's chapter of the movie. Physical comedy is Goofy's trademark, which isn't a favorite comedic style of mine, but he does it well in this cartoon. Goofy is as lovable as always while his son, Max, is much more appealing as a kid than when he grows up (A Goofy Movie). The bond between Goofy and Max is very heartwarming, as Goofy never gives up in his belief in Santa and in his attempt to convince Max. The end result is touching, and also satisfying when neighbor, Mr. Pete, gets what's coming to him!

Last and definitely not least, is Mickey and Minnie's version of 'The Gift of the Magi.' This isn't the funniest episode of the bunch, but just like it has been throughout Disney history, Mickey and Minnie serve as the heart and soul of this picture. They both overcome the odds and indulge in the holiday spirit, only to come up empty-handed. This doesn't matter though, as they have each other, and that's all that matters. Side Note: One tiny thing I really enjoyed about this episode was Mickey's dance move that was first seen in 1942's 'Mickey's Birthday Party.' It's fun to remember the classics!

Overall, this is a very satisfying and heartwarming Christmas special. The animation is quite nice and vibrant to show off our favorite Disney characters, and the voice-work is well done too (especially by Kelsey Grammar as the perfect narrator!) I wouldn't necessarily label this movie a masterpiece like 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' or my personal favorite, 'Mickey's Christmas Carol,' but it's quite strong nonetheless. ABC and Disney Channel should definitely let people know about this special. It has the potential to be a classic!

My IMDb Rating: 9/10. My Yahoo! Grade: A (Outstanding)

3 Christmas tales from Disney's mascots. Donald's nephews are forced to relive Christmas day everyday. Goofy tries to convince his son that Santa is real, and Mickey and Minnie end up trading their prize possessions in order to buy gifts for the other. As individual shorts go, these work. The stories are sweet and well paced, but it's a chore to get through all three at once. The animation is higher quality than Disney's TV output, but not as high as their animated classics. You kind of wish Disney would put the most effort into their mascot. I can imagine these as background entertainment during other Christmas activities, but not one to snuggle up by the fire with.

This here is an anthology that tells 3 magical stories of Christmas, the first tale tells about Donald Duck's nephews Huey, Duey and Luey who make a wish that Christmas would be everyday ( sort of like the Bill Murray movie " Groundhog Day") then they unfortunately get their wish come true but it's the same day over and over again, they must set things right in order to make it a bright and cheery Christmas. The second tale tells about Goofy's son whom been told by meanie Peter that Santa does not exists, but Goofy must prove that Santa is for real then the last tale is about Mickey and Minnie who must give up their personal possessions for their Christmas love.

A highly entertaining, well animated and marvelously done collection of stories with cameos by Mortimer the Rat and Scrooge Mcduck. It's a fun Christmas movie, especially for the Disney lover.

9/10.

There are three stories; Donald Duck in Stuck on Christmas, A Very Goofy Christmas, and Mickey & Minnie's Gift of the Magi. Donald gives his nephews a wooden sleigh each and they learn the meaning of Christmas. Goofy's son is losing his belief in Santa. Mickey is working at the Christmas tree lot while Minnie is wrapping presents at the store. These are great little Christmas stories. It won't become classic but it's pretty good. Mostly the messages are good. It's family friendly. They may work even better as half hour episodes. It's not really hour plus material especially for little kids with attention deficiency.

This movie was fun for all ages, with stories about Daffy Duck, Goofy, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Christmas time. Kids are guaranteed to love it, and I think it could become a holiday classic.

*** out of ****