Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas

Doctor Claw seizes control of Santa's workshop, enslaves his elves, and sabotages the toys while a crime-fighter with eccentric abilities comes to the rescue.

It's James Pond II: Codename RoboCod (a video game from the previous year).

I'm not kidding, it is so similar. Not that I mind, both are good. There is the usual amount of hijinks and humor in this episode-sized Xmas special. A bit too much emphasis is placed on the madcap antics instead of building a nice Xmasy feel. Though I think that the voice actress playing Penny is a bit too young.

Not a waste of time, but not an annual classic.

"Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas" was actually the first new piece Inspector Gadget material release since the series went off air. The first and only time I saw the episode was on ABC's Saturday morning cartoon lineup near Christmastime.

Anyway, the episode is pure "Gadget" fun. The special goes on like a regular episode of the series, with the gizmo-toting inspector doing battle with Dr. Claw and his terrorist group M.A.D. This time though Gadget has to try to save Christmas from the not-so-good doctor. Dr. Claw has hatched up a plan to take control of Santa's workshop at the North Pole and ruin Christmas for all the good little boys and girls. Of course, Gadget is on the case and once again Penny and Brain must guide the bumbling inspector on his way.

The half-hour special was quite good; I remember the animation being colorful and pretty detailed. The voice-acting was decent; Don Adams reprised his role as Gadget. I don't believe series voice actors Frank Welker (Dr. Claw) and Cree Summer (Penny) returned for the special though. Penny's voice sounded WAY different from the original series.

Just like an episode of the old series, the show was hilarious. Gadget is clueless as usual, and even tries to arrest the real Santa! Of course, Penny and Brain help Gadget save the day as usual. The Chief returns as the series' old running gag of getting hurt accidentally by Gadget.

The Inspector Gadget Christmas special was what I hoped to be a the start of a comeback for the beloved walking, talking Swiss army knife. Unfortunately, Gadget didn't fit in this era of post-1980's sophisticated, more "educational" children's entertainment and we haven't seen the Inspector since (the terrible live action Gadget movie, cute little internet Flash shorts and "Gadget Boy" not withstanding). Still, it was great to see an old animated friend return, if just for one half-hour.

Wow, I can honestly say this is the first time I have ever seen Inspector Gadget, ever. Now keep in mind I'm a 26 year old watching a TV special release that originally aired back in 1992. If i had seen this back when I was 5 years old, I quite possibly would have loved it! Although, It's hard to even say that this is nostalgic for me, it did allow me to reminisce about the kids animation movies I watched as a child.

Aside from the static storyline of a robotic/gadget filled half-human man who is followed around by his little niece (Penny) and a dog (Brian) who understands the English dialect, I'd say that this movie is nothing short of perfect for the age group it's targeting. It's cute and light, with no adult references or humor, it's strictly slapstick and silliness. "Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas" could definitely be adopted to watch as a family tradition during the holiday season or year round. This is a perfect gift for those younger ones on your Christmas list.

Only running approximately 30 minutes, the film is short and sweet and in my opinion runs a perfect length for a younger child to watch and not become restless.

Well its been along time since I watch this movie and I know its forgettable But I think its the best inspector gadget movie starring Don Adams who does the best inspector gadget returns to his character making this Christmas movie magical but their is one problem with this film yes Chief Quimby's actor Dan Hennessey does not return and gets replaced by Maurice LaMarche who does a horrible job as Balto in both the 2 sequels and in spin off and later on in the TV movie Inspector gadget's last Case I would of like it if Dan Hennessey return to his character but who's cares at the moment.So their you have it inspector gadget returns in 1992 and later comes back in 1999 in the live action movie with Matthew Broderick and then in 2003 with that god awful dircut video sequel which has to be one of the worst sequels So if you are inspector gadget fan then this movie will do fine for you what to say 9 out of 10.