AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

hellraiser7 Santa has always been a fascinating character in fantasy lore, despite a aura of mystery about him, he's fascinating because to me he's a representation of the good of mankind, what more it can be and do for the other. This Christmas film is another childhood relic of mine which as an adult I still watch to this day, just like Santa himself this film is timeless.The animation as usual from the Ralkin and Bass company is great, I always love claymation because it all look real. Once again love the background animation which constructs a cold but beautiful fantasy atmosphere.Music is also great the songs are memorable, from Fred Astare sing the end credit song which of course is the title. Though my favorite song is the one "My world is just Beginning" from the character Jessica. I just love the lyrics and the psychedelic animation that went with the song which gave it a 70's vibe. But most importantly I just think it's a beautiful song since it's one about awakening, change and new beginning, it perfectly reflected the 70's era since that was part of what that decade was about.I kinda like how Santa's story has a bit of influence from the story of Moses, Christ, as well as Robin Hood, which I feel makes sense and all three characters were people that contributed to the well being of mankind. I really love how the film utilizes the cause and effect element because it has suttlety and reason that actually feels logical , from the reason he wears a red suit, how the reindeer had the ability to fly, the beard and many others. It's fascinating seeing how it all comes together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle forming a picture.The characters are all well designed, diverse and the voice cast are great.The late great Fred Astre as the Post Man narrator tells the story well, even like how the claymation character looks like the actor.Paul Frees whom you probably know as the voice of Boris from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" is great as the Burgermeister. The Burgermeister is a good villain you love to dislike or plain dislike, let alone has a strange name that sounds like the name of a fast food chain. Anyway, this guy he is just a complete blowhole that just power crazy, miserable and want to make life miserable for everyone for no particular reason. The guy really does cross the line as we see one really dark scene where he has a pile of toys and creates a bonfire, which is disturbing reminiscent of the book burning party the Nazi's held. It really shows the evil of being fully selfish, contributing solely to ones self all the time will bear no fruit and will make life darker and miserable not just for others but yourself.Mickey Rooney his voice just fits like a glove for Santa, believe it or not that was how I imagined would Santa would sound like. I really like how Santa is portrayed which make him all the more lovable. He's energetic, charitable, cheerful, charismatic, soicalble as he makes friends with fantasy characters, some humans, and animals. I love how his motive isn't just to delivery toys just for the sake of it, but really it's to bring joy and hope to people that very much need it or in short supply of it. But what I love most about his is that his spirit can never be broken, despite how hard things get for him as the film goes further, he never loses hope, he keeps going and grows as time goes on and become whom we all know and love him as.This film has a good message about the importance of giving, how making a contribution in life either big or small can make the world a lot friendlier and people kinder to one another. But also to always have hope and faith, as long and you hold on to them both you and them will grow stronger.The legend of Santa just like the Christmas season will live on forever as long as hope, faith, and kindness exist.Rating: 4 stars

utgard14 I love the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials so much. The animation, the songs, the fun characters. They're just a simple joy that always brings a smile to my face. How anybody can watch them without getting the warm fuzzies is beyond me. This particular special is about the origin of Santa Claus (charmingly voiced by Mickey Rooney), as told by everybody's favorite mailman Fred Astaire. A lovely, funny story with lots of heart and an innocence we just don't seem able to replicate these days. Sigh times have changed so much. Just look at some of the reviews here or go to the message board. So many people trying to turn every song or stray sentence into something dirty or crass. It's disheartening. Anyway, try to ignore all that and just watch these timeless specials and enjoy them as they were meant to be enjoyed.

mobile707 Just saw it earlier this evening on ABC television. And really, it is one of those gentle pleasures in life that is just as wonderful as I (a small child in the 1970s) remembered it. Nothing put in that should have been left out, nothing left out that should have been put in. Simply pure joy from start to finish. The likeness of Mr. Astaire is a delightful bonus.I took a moment to read some of the other reviews posted in years past, and was intrigued by the reviewer who noted the subtle parallels between the Burgermeister's attempt to ban toys with the Hitlerite attempt to ban Jewish-influence from the life of Germany in the 1930s. That is a perceptive point, one that had eluded me even as an adult. Thankfully, this "lesson" is woven into the overall story so skillfully that it will not take away from a child's enjoyment.

TheLittleSongbird I love the Rankin'/Bass Christmas specials. They are so timeless and relaxing to watch, and make you feel so cosy and warm, which is lacking in most Christmas movies of today. As of now, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town is one of my favourites, along with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. There are so many things to like about this special, whether it is the animation, the music or the writing.The animation is really lovely, perhaps a tad dated, but it does have this sophisticated look that adds to the special's innocence. The music is just gorgeous, the song that Jessica sings is just beautiful beyond words. As for the writing, I agree with anyone who says this one has the best writing out of the specials to come from Rankin'/Bass, a bit like I consider The Little Drummer Boy to be the most poignant. There are some sweet moments, but other parts are very funny, whether it is the interaction between the narrator and the children which was very entertaining, or the dialogue of the toy-hating Burgermeister Meisterburger such as "Ooooooouuu, I've been bamboozled". And anything Winter says borders on hysterical, like "you mustn't mind the tree monsters. Their bark is worse than their bite".The characters are wonderful, with Santa really charming here, and Burgermeister Meisterburger a sophisticated enough villain and a funny one too. And then we have the narrator, a wonderful one with some truly entertaining lines. And the voice work is outstanding, particularly strong work from Paul Frees in multiple roles including the villain of the piece Burgermeister Meisterburger. Mickey Rooney is his charming self as Santa/Kris Kringle, so he was an ideal casting choice, and Keenan Wynn was superb as Winter. And Fred Astaire, all I can say is like Rooney an inspired choice, and he was note-perfect. All in all, I am running out of things to say to praise Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, so little more to add than a 10/10. Bethany Cox