Mog's Christmas

Turning a 24 ish page book into a 25 minute gloriously hand drawn animated piece is no small feat, and it is something that the animators have achieved here with flying colours. The movements and mannerisms of the titular Mog will instantly be relatable to any cat appreciator, and the storytelling and visual style is absolutely on par with Judith Kerr's original works.

The story itself is a simple and heartwarming one, and the accompanying song by Sophie Ellis Bextor is a sweet little festive bop (if slightly twee... but surely we can forgive that for a Christmas film?!)

The human characters might be slightly forgettable... but that's fine as Mog is the focus point, and she has been brought to life so vividly here!

Watch, relax & enjoy😸

I watched this twice - once on Christmas Eve and because I enjoyed it so much, again on Christmas Day with my extended family. And as my rather unoriginal title says, this animated short is absolutely lovely. The animation looks like the books come to life, and for anyone who has a sweet if a little dopey cat, the body language is completely true to life. The song, while a little on the cheesy side, is rather beautiful too, but isn't that exactly what you want at Christmas? Also it made me cry, but in a very good way and reminded me of when I was a kid and the world felt like a far better and kinder place than it is now - whether that's the delusion of being a child, I don't know, but for some sweet, escapist fun, it's just what you need.

In the vein of the "Snowman" from 1982, this colourful and lively short feature from Channel Four takes a look at just how the "Thomas" family prepare for the big day whilst their cat looks on neglected and bemused. As the extended family all assemble, "Mog" isn't getting his usual amount of attention so he takes refuge outside. When the Christmas tree starts to do it's own scene from the Scottish play that's the last straw! Sanctuary from all of this madness is sought on the roof where some white stuff falls on its nose. "Oh, for my basket and a boiled egg!" - but how to get down. If you like cats then you will probably love this. I don't especially but it does still resonate as a reminder that sometimes we all get so caught up in the paraphernalia of December 25th that maybe we forget to make sure everyone in included in the self-inflicted mayhem as it carries us away in tradition, gifts and old aunties. It's neatly drawn with a few comic moments and there's even a cat sat on the mat style of ditty from Sophie Ellis Bextor, too!

The animation is made in the style of the story, not designed to be excitable or adventurous, with a hand drawn pencil feel to it. It has the exact same layout and feel as 'The tiger who came to tea' by the same author, set in London again. Yes it's set in the days before technology, but that's when the book was written.

I really do feel that the audience is designed for children under 6 and adults who grew up with the book. This isn't exciting to watch, it's more relaxing and a comfort to know what will happen.

I can guarantee that they will choose another of the mog books to animate next year and look forward to watching more!

I used to love Judith Kerr's stories when I was younger, especially the stories with Mog; Mog was a companion of mine growing up, acting like a companion as I never had a cat in my household. As a result, I squealed with excitement when I saw the trailer on Channel 4 & being aired on Christmas Eve, it was a perfect birthday present (even though I'm 24!).

The film from start to finish was perfectly well done, the animation & seeing Mog come to life was an enthralling experience! It made me feel closer to Mog as a character & also took me back to my childhood. I must admit, I did weep at some scenes due to the absolute wholesome nature of Mog (and the entire family) & just because animated Mog is so. Dang. Cute! I have watched the film another five times since it first aired, I just can't get enough!

Absolute applaud & congratulations to the entire animation team for bringing my favourite childhood book character to life; crossing my fingers & toes for another Mog film at some point in the future!