Product: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: 5.0
Timeless!
A Charlie Brown Christmas can be best described as "classic." It may not be as excellent as It's A Wonderful Life or Home Alone, but it's truly one of the great TV specials that has become a staple for this holiday season. Like many other Christmas specials, I always find myself in high spirits whenever I watch this. Most of the characters from Peanuts are here; the voices are surprisingly effective. The animation is quite simplistic, but it's still beautifully drawn. The humor is very appropriate for this time of year: it's very light and never offensive (if you want crude and offensive, check out Christmas Time in South Park on DVD!). The message is plain and simple: Christmas isn't always about toys and decorations, but most importantly, it's always about the birth of Jesus Christ. I may not be religious, but I'm always moved when Linus explains what Christmas is all about with his truly unforgettable monologue. The monologue itself is delivered in a very straightforward manner, but I think that's the point. It's not dull, nor is it melodramatic. And I think it's the biblical text that makes it all the more powerful.You should definitely check out A Charlie Brown Christmas if you haven't already. It may be only half an hour long, but overall, it's funny and heartwarming.