This is quite the odd little movie, isn't it? "Christmas" is initially little more than a passing word on the time of year, and the drama playing out as exposition is very ordinary familial discontent and professional difficulties. The thrust of the plot is then introduced very quickly, setting up the conflict as a confluence of those common elements with the typical holiday film storyline of "saving Christmas," and - to a small extent - an underlying environmentalist message. Then consider the cast, including 'Charlie's Angels' mainstay Jaclyn Smith, Art Carney, and singer-songwriter Paul Williams - this is at once exactly what I expected, and not.
True, 'The night they saved Christmas' is kind of a mixed bag. I really appreciate the production design and art direction. Aspects like set design and decoration, set pieces, and painted backgrounds look fantastic. Costume design, hair, and makeup bear the weird distinction of being rather fanciful, where the denizens of North Pole City are concerned, yet also perhaps a little too over the top and overbearing. Either way, I appreciate the contributions of those behind the scenes. Still, those special effects that are employed are generally less than perfect, and weaken our suspension of disbelief. The dialogue is also rife with notions that exceed fantasy to include facets of science fiction, further straining our artificial credulity. To be fair, this is a family-friendly TV movie, and one should anticipate more than a few such indelicacies.
That just makes it all the more strange that this is, in total, rather well-made and enjoyable. Imperfections and ham-handedness aside, the screenplay is surprisingly strong, with an engaging narrative, and robust scene writing. Characters have a measure of real depth and personality, and where dialogue isn't outright gauche, it is pretty smart at times. Moreover, there are unexpected, welcome ideas and themes broached at varying points. Apart from a minor environmentalist touch, there's also passing emphasis on anti-gun, anti-violence politics; unmistakable reference to patriarchal condescension, and sexist disbelief and patronization of women; and lack of responsibility or accountability for the rich and powerful. All these are woven into the story quite organically, however, keeping the plot foremost - just with added flourishes to taste.
Though restricted by the heavy-handed style, the primary adult cast put in fairly good displays of acting, and Jackie Cooper's direction is quite fine. The score throughout is suitable, though not necessarily remarkable - while the song that plays at the very end is several steps too far. Apart from the effects, there's not really anyone one flaw here except for the decidedly overdone simplicity and overwhelming childish mirth that we tend to get from pictures of this nature - kids' movies, holiday movies, made-for-TV movies. It's an unfortunate detriment to the overall quality, though if someone is wholly open to such films, no doubt this would be held higher in their esteem. For my part, I did enjoy 'The night they saved Christmas,' and on the balance I think it's worth checking out if you come across it - just know what you're getting into, then sit back and enjoy the silliness.
