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This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic retains the essence of the timeless tale while introducing some fresh interpretations. A celebrity cast provides voices for the roles of Scrooge (Simon Callow), Marley (Nicolas Cage), and Belle (Kate Winslet), yet the beauty of the film flows from its artistic usage of CG technology, such as the “painted” scenery of Scrooge’s thoughts during his journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. The script honors the original story while proving that it is indeed possible to be moved to tears by a group of animated characters. Dickens purists may argue that few movie versions of A Christmas Carol can compete with Alastair Sim’s 1951 rendition, or George C. Scott’s 1984 remake, yet this film does not need to supplant, but rather complement, such predecessors. It is an especially good choice for young viewers who may find the black-and-white version too scary. (Ages 5 and older) –Lynn Gibson
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Spend the most wonderful time of the year with your favorite purple pal in this “dino-mite” Christmas classic. Join Barney and friends as they take a musical journey to the North Pole where they are greeted as special guests at Santa’s Workshop. With music in the air and presents everywhere, it’s a dream come true as Santa unveils his secret toys for this year’s Christmas. Watch in wonderment as Mrs. Claus takes the kids on an enchanted train ride through Santa’s Toy Factory. Then it’s off to a gift-wrapping party where everyone helps Santa put the finishing touches on this year’s presents. Give the gift of music and laughter in this classic collection of Christmas treats!

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Elizabeth is the star of a successful cooking show and author of several cookbooks. But when her manager, Alexander, sees forest ranger Jefferson, who lost his cabin in a fire, comment on TV about wishing he could get a home-cooked Christmas dinner, he arranges for a special live show on Christmas, for Elizabeth to cook him Christmas Dinner. Only Elizabeth can’t cook, and trying to keep Jefferson and the viewing public from finding out on a live show may be a little difficult.

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This 44-minute musical Christmas movie finds Pooh, Tigger, Darby, and the rest of everyone’s favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood enjoying a busy Christmas Eve filled with Christmas preparations and dreams about what they hope to receive from Santa. When Roo and Lumpy discover a fancy red bag in the snow and then stumble upon a young reindeer named Holly caught in a thicket, they find out that the bag they’ve found is Santa’s magical toy sack and that without it, Santa may have to cancel Christmas. When Holly is unable to remember which direction leads home, Roo and Lumpy sound the super sleuth siren and the whole gang sets off for the North Pole to return Santa’s bag. Using their knowledge of the North Star to guide them, the hopeful group makes their way toward the North Pole, but finds the road difficult and full of danger. Can the group make it to Santa in time to save Christmas by working together? Will their individual Christmas wishes eve (more…)

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Kermit takes center stage in this hilarious, parody-laden celebration of Muppetry, pulsating with original music, a star-studded cast of human cameos, and a heartwarming story reminiscent of It’s a Wonderful Life. Joan Cusack plays the deliciously villainous Miss Bitterman, a ruthless banker who succeeds in foreclosing on the Muppet Theatre only days before Kermit’s Christmas extravaganza. As Kermit loses his livelihood, he plunges into the “I wish I’d never been born” mind-set instantly recognizable to George Bailey fans. It’s going to take some Divine intervention (Whoopi Goldberg is cast as God, no less), plus a little help from a heavenly “Clarence.” Despite some moments where the script seems adrift (how hard it must be to live up to the irresistible precedent set by the 1979 premier Muppet Movie) and some humor that borders on risqué, Fozzie and the gang are in fine form. The message is sweet: dreams are as vital to life as loyal friendships are to see (more…)