CORPORATE LINE: Eubie is no ordinary elf. Unlike the rest of Santa’s helpers, Eubie believes that the holiday spirit is an unstoppable force, capable of warming even the coldest hearts. Putting this theory to the test, the buoyant and cheerful elf descends upon the depressing town of Bluesville. Just from looking at it, Eubie can tell that the town hasn’t seen the true Christmas spirit in quite some time. Coming to life with the voice and music of Harry Connick, Jr., this animated holiday program also features the voices of Mickey Rooney, Carol Kane, Lewis Black, and more.
THE SHOW: Harry Connick Jr. sort of hosts the movie but doesn’t play much of a role—my assumption before seeing the movie was that he was the elf—he’s not. Bluesville seems to be a cartoon version of New Orleans mixed in with a lot of stories from other well known Christmas cartoons. Such as the elf who is a misfit, a scrooge, a town where Christmas doesn’t happen—the list goes on. Certainly a lot of the Rankin/Bass Christmas shows were milked for ideas.
THE EXTRAS:
“Making Of” The Happy Elf: An Interview with Harry Connick, Jr.
The “Reel” Storyboard
3 Elf Games
Bluesville Coloring Book
Printable Holiday Cards
Santa’s Gallery
Eubie’s Holiday Treat
FRANKLY: After watching this solo the first time The Happy Elf came off as uninteresting and plain. But after re-watching it with my children I realized that the film wasn’t for me—but for them. They really enjoyed the movie and watched it twice in a row. The Happy Elf is far from original—but it’s a nice addition to the kid’s holiday movie collection.
+ Charlie Craine
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