Mog's Christmas

In the vein of the "Snowman" from 1982, this colourful and lively short feature from Channel Four takes a look at just how the "Thomas" family prepare for the big day whilst their cat looks on neglected and bemused. As the extended family all assemble, "Mog" isn't getting his usual amount of attention so he takes refuge outside. When the Christmas tree starts to do it's own scene from the Scottish play that's the last straw! Sanctuary from all of this madness is sought on the roof where some white stuff falls on its nose. "Oh, for my basket and a boiled egg!" - but how to get down. If you like cats then you will probably love this. I don't especially but it does still resonate as a reminder that sometimes we all get so caught up in the paraphernalia of December 25th that maybe we forget to make sure everyone in included in the self-inflicted mayhem as it carries us away in tradition, gifts and old aunties. It's neatly drawn with a few comic moments and there's even a cat sat on the mat style of ditty from Sophie Ellis Bextor, too!

Turning a 24 ish page book into a 25 minute gloriously hand drawn animated piece is no small feat, and it is something that the animators have achieved here with flying colours. The movements and mannerisms of the titular Mog will instantly be relatable to any cat appreciator, and the storytelling and visual style is absolutely on par with Judith Kerr's original works.

The story itself is a simple and heartwarming one, and the accompanying song by Sophie Ellis Bextor is a sweet little festive bop (if slightly twee... but surely we can forgive that for a Christmas film?!)

The human characters might be slightly forgettable... but that's fine as Mog is the focus point, and she has been brought to life so vividly here!

Watch, relax & enjoy😸

1976's Mog's Christmas gets its 2023 TV debut via channel 4's lovingly produced Christmas Eve treat.

Judith Kerr's much loved Mog gets her 1st proper animated outing that pays homage to Kerr's own illustrations as well as having more than a hint of Sylvain Chomet and Studio Ghibli's fantastic creations.

Here not very clever, but much loved family cat Mog has her nose put out of joint by all the fuss and bustle of Christmas and the strange relations cluttering up HER house. In response Mog climbs onto the roof and , much to her family's distress, refuses to come down. Framed by David Arnold's beautiful score and featuring the centrepiece song As Long As I Belong, this is 30 minutes of joy.

Mog the Cat is a treasured part of my childhood and I now love reading the books to my five year old, so I was a little nervous that this would not live up to my expectations.

It totally exceeded them, the original story is fleshed out a little, with a few choice additions from other books. Little touches, like Morecambe and Wise being on the television is a shop window really anchor it in its time and add little touches of nostalgia for adults.

My little one was transfixed throughout, as were the adults in the room.

Gentle, humourous and utterly, utterly charming. I can't praise this enough.

I used to love Judith Kerr's stories when I was younger, especially the stories with Mog; Mog was a companion of mine growing up, acting like a companion as I never had a cat in my household. As a result, I squealed with excitement when I saw the trailer on Channel 4 & being aired on Christmas Eve, it was a perfect birthday present (even though I'm 24!).

The film from start to finish was perfectly well done, the animation & seeing Mog come to life was an enthralling experience! It made me feel closer to Mog as a character & also took me back to my childhood. I must admit, I did weep at some scenes due to the absolute wholesome nature of Mog (and the entire family) & just because animated Mog is so. Dang. Cute! I have watched the film another five times since it first aired, I just can't get enough!

Absolute applaud & congratulations to the entire animation team for bringing my favourite childhood book character to life; crossing my fingers & toes for another Mog film at some point in the future!