The Spirit of Christmas

This is probably the sickest, most demented thing ever put on film. Which, of course, is what makes it so brilliant. It is disgusting and banal, not to mention perverse and profane. But simply the idea of Santa and Jesus fighting it out at a Mall to decide who Christmas is really about is something worth watching. There's a reason SOUTH PARK is such a brilliant television show and it's all here.

This pilot is the second pilot for South Park, originally made as a video Christmas card. More known as the "Santa Vs. Jesus" pilot (as the first pilot from 1992 has the same title, but is known as Frosty Vs. Jesus), this pilot would set the characters tropes that would carry onto the show (like Kyle being Jewish), and the formula, as the boys meet Jesus, who has come to South Park to reclaim his birthday from Santa, leading to a fight between the two (set to music from Mortal Kombat 3, no less). Almost 30 years since it was made, this special still stands out (especiall as the show it spawned would eventually lose the charm it had and become just another raunchy cartoon that some people lost interest in). This was back from before South Park was a show, and it had the formula down and worked a lot (even having a moral about the holidays).

This, as most of you know is the second "Spirit of Christmas" the first being re-titled to "Mr. Frosty" both contained the sharp wit, the crudeness that we all enjoy. It took me a while to find a good quality copy of this cartoon to watch, and I am glad I did. In this golden Parker-nugget the boys have an encounter with Jesus looking for Santa Claus...to kick the living sh*t out of him. When Ole' St. Nick and Jesus battle it out the boys consult one of their idols: Brian Biotana. Brian Teaches them the way and shows the boys that shouldn't think of things like "who's going to win Santa or Jesus" but to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. In the end the South Park boys find the true meaning of Christmas....PRESENTS!

'The Spirit of Christmas' is the animated short film made by Trey Parker and Matt Stone that would lead up to the big comedy hit 'South Park' and the movie 'South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut'. If you like 'South Park' you just have to see this hilarious piece of comedy.

The characters as we know them meet Jesus and later Santa Clause. The two get in a fight over who is more important for Christmas. Brian Botano shows up and learns them about the true meaning of Christmas.

'The Spirit of Christmas' is too offensive for some people, like 'South Park' is, but if you understand it is all in good fun there is good a chance you will appreciate this very funny short.

stars: Trey Parker as Stan, Cartman, Santa and Brian Boitano.

Matt Stone as Kyle, Jesus and Kenny.

A cheaply done 5 minute Chrismtas card....and it's pretty good. it's about Jesus coming to South Park to find Santa and they get in a fight (killing Kenny). Meanwhile the foul mouthed boys cuss and cuss and even meet Brian Boitano. i watched it on the internet and I'm not sure where to find it. It's good though and any fan of South Park should watch it. Contains language and violence.

My rating: B. 5 mins.

Funny!