The Smurfs Christmas Special

This Smurfs Christmas Special is fun and cute. The songs are a little too expansive and the dialogues a little too bumpy at times; there are definitely better smurf episodes. Nevertheless, this Christmas special is definitely a one-shot that is fun and puts you in the Christmas spirit. In addition, there are the loving cult characters and a story that is especially nice to watch for children. Today's cartoons are far behind.

There's no shortage of Smurf-related Xmas episodes, but this 1982 special is kinda fun. I would hardly say that it's required Xmas viewing. It doesn't even feel that festive, however there's enough snow and insistence on good cheer to make it worthwhile.

The Smurfs are busy preparing for Xmas but get involved with Gargamel who is playing both sides in missing children plot. I don't really get Gargamel, to be honest. He's just evil for the sake of being evil. I mean...what's his motivation? His lust for gold can't be all that makes him get up in the morning. He also stole Dick Dastardly's voice. They sound exactly the same.

I wish had some Smurfs.

The Smurfs try to help two little kids who have an evil uncle out to kidnap them. Gargamel is out to ruin the Smurfs' Christmas because....well, he's Gargamel, isn't that reason enough? The two plots collide when the uncle invites Gargamel in on the kidnapping plot. A fun TV Christmas special from my childhood with a few surprisingly dark moments for a cartoon series known for its saccharinity. For the most part, it's exactly what you might expect if you've seen the series. Look, it's The Smurfs, so how you feel about them will decide how much you like this special. I grew up on them so nostalgia may be coloring my view somewhat, but I enjoy this even today. The Smurfs are likable, from Brainy to Hefty to Papa Smurf and so on. The kids are cute, especially when they think Papa is Santa Claus. The uncle, who wears a snazzy purple outfit complete with cape, is a hissable villain if there ever was one. In the end, he's revealed to be....well, you'll see. It's the Smurfs and it's Christmas -- both of those things tend to lend themselves to ridicule from cynical types. While I see how it could be viewed sarcastically, it's one of those things that I can put aside my snarky "adult" attitude once a year and enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome and upbeat story about good vs evil and the power of love.

Despite having a captivating and good story for the children, the short one did not make much sense, was a little badly folded and the villain had no motivation; But even so, I think the short is very good, with good songs and a good animation. Highly recommend.

The Smurfs Christmas Special (1982)

*** (out of 4)

It's Christmas time at Smurf land but Gargamel and his dirty cat have kidnapped two children who he is going to give to a mysterious stranger who has also kidnapped their uncle. The Smurfs find out what's going on and decide to use the Christmas spirit to rescue them. THE SMURFS Christmas SPECIAL isn't the greatest short you're ever going to watch but if you're a fan of the television show then you should find enough humor here to make it worth watching. I was a little surprised but for a Christmas special there's really not too much Christmas stuff going on. The main story actually has very little to do with the holiday and when you learn what the stranger is up to it really doesn't make too much sense and especially for a Christmas special. The film offers up some good animation and I thought there were some very funny moments. This is especially true with Grumpy Smurf and his constant complaints.