Alright, ladies, and gentlemen, hope you all had a merry Christmas this late weekend. Speaking of which, today, we are going to be reviewing a Christmas themed animated film that revolves around some rather famous icons in the Wonderful World Of Disney. Not only that, but it is so one of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels (or should we just say direct-to-video special in this case?) that was released just around the time of the Thanksgiving to Christmas season, just as the 1990s were about to conclude, and direct-to-video sequels, or just specials, that were released by Disney seemed to have more heart, and care put into them before that didn’t seem to be the case as much once the new millennium rolled around. Oh well! Anyway, let’s talk about the one, and only, Mickey’s Upon A Christmas.
Plot: The movie is centered around three stories that take place at Christmas time, one that involves Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and that crew, another that revolves around Goofy, and a very young Max, and a final one that involves Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and their adventures.
Okay, first of all, for those of you who read my review for Atlantis 2: Milo’s Return back in 2018 just on Facebook, I may have mentioned that that film didn’t seem to work all that well simply because of it feeling like three TV episodes wrapped up in one movie. Well, even though that may be the case with this film as well it works better. One of the reasons being is, well, the stories that are presented are really well told, and might not have been as well known if they had just been episodes on Disney Channel, or someplace like that, you know? Also, one ought to give Disney credit for not attempting to insert what could potentially be cheesy original music into this film (like with say the 1998 MGMG direct-to-video special, An All Dogs Christmas Carol), but rather mainly putting in regular Christmas carols in, but with the characters singing most of those. So how about that? Additionally, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas is very funny at points, especially in the beginning. Okay, not to say that the middle or near the end don’t have their share of comedic moments too. It’s just that the beginning seems to shine bright in that regard. Is some of the humor somewhat childish? Maybe, sometimes! Still, adults, and maybe even teens are bound to like some of the humor anyway. In addition to all of this, the movie has some really deep things in it, like believing in things that are not always comprehensive, learning to help those out in need, or at least less fortunate, being willing to make sacrifices that aren’t often easy to make, and things like that. I will say that after rewatching this film after being absent from it for twenty-two years, it is surprising to not think about this film having things like that before either seeing it for the first time, or even rewatching it for the first time in a long while. And another thing! How could you not like Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the rest of the gang even in a film like this? Finally, this movie seems to really pull at your heartstrings at times, and make you have an overall wonderful feeling that one is bound to have especially around the Christmas season.
And that’s my review for Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas. Sure, the animation was clearly TV quality. However, if you’re willing to look beyond something like that, this film is bound to put a smile on your face for it’s humor, surprisingly good messages, likable characters, and the music. If you either have Disney+, or are looking for a Christmas film to watch before the period between Christmas, and New Year’s is over, then definitely check out Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and see what you think!
Final Grade: A+
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 