Every year my friend DBN gives me an advent calendar. It started a long time back - not even sure how long ago. This year she gave me a pop up one based on Olive the Other Reindeer, which I had never heard of. It's a really cute calendar.Last night I was working on some Christmas presents, and actually looked at the TV Guide to see what was on. And there, lo and behold, was Olive the Other Reindeer! So I watched it, and let me tell you it's really great. I can't believe I've never heard of it - it was made in 1999. It has all the makings of a classic Christmas cartoon - a cute story, a moral, songs, jokes for the adults - eg she meets Schnitzel, Blitzen's cousin (and that's just a small joke, obviously, but I loved it - and who happened to be voiced by Michael Stipe). And it even mentions Hanukkah!
Watching it is like watching a Picasso painting, or being transported to a world where all humans are like flounder - eyes on one side of their heads. It was fascinating, and yes, a little disturbing at times, but I really got caught up in the story. So, seek it out next year!
11 comments:
I like the flounder world description but it can't hold a candle to the leg lamp from A Christmas Story.
Every Christmas special needs at least one disturbing aspect to it.
Whether it is Charlie Brown thinking he killed his Christmas tree or the Bumble getting his teeth ripped out, Christmas is about being a little disturbed but going with the flow.
You know Franki, I was only exposed to that movie at a very late age (like, maybe in my early 30's) so it has no tug on my heart.
MRT - I guess, yes. I think it's more that kids like a little scariness...as long as it all ends up ok.
I'll have to check this out for sure.
I've never heard of it either. I'll have to watch it next year.
This is making me smile right now...right this very moment!
I love traditions that have gone on for a long time and no one can remember how they got started. Those are the best.
Susan, yes. DBN just found it in the library video section, so you can too.
Churlita, ditto to what I said to Susan.
TERA - yay!
Suzanne, you are right.
I knew the book first. J. Otto Seibold is the author/illustrator. He does have a great style, doesn't he?
I thought Drew Barrymore made the perfect Olive.
yes, Olive was great.
that's one of the few christmas movies i actually sit down and watch with cheeks every year. (i too loved the schnitzel/blitzen joke.)
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