Once again, your favorite cartoon aardvark, Arthur Read, and the whole animal gang are back to celebrate Christmas in Arthur’s Perfect Christmas. After 16 years, the PBS cartoon is still a classic during the holidays.
In the town of Elwood City, the days to Christmas and the other holidays are near. The kids in town all have a different perspective all have their own feelings on the holiday. Young Arthur Read dreams of a perfect Christmas, however some obstacles keep him from his dream. The holiday special also focuses on the holiday experiences for the other kids as well.
Also, the movie covers some aspects of friendship. Best friends, Muffy Crosswire and Francine Frensky, are in a bit of conflict when Francine can’t go to Muffy’s Christmas party. Binky Barnes is also having difficulty making the perfect dessert for the homeless shelter on Christmas. Then there’s 4 year old D.W. who really wants her “Tina the Tiny Taffy” doll.
There are many things loved about this movie. One thing I love that most other holiday movies don’t cover (especially kids movies), is how the holidays differ for everyone.
The movie first introduces this, when Francine celebrates Hanukkah instead of Christmas. As a result, she is unable to attend Muffy’s Christmas party. Although, Muffy wasn’t mindful of Francine’s beliefs at first, she was by the end of the movie when Francine explained the importance of Hanukkah. This spreads a good message to kids, that not everyone celebrates the same holiday.
In addition, the issue of Buster Bunny’s divorced parents appears. This shines a new perspective that kids may not have understood before. Buster’s mother stresses a good amount over the holidays, and her young son worries for her. In the end, they make their own holiday to celebrate.
Furthermore, Arthur’s Perfect Christmas offers a great amount of fact in the short time of an hour. Alan “The Brain” Powers, tells historical facts about the holidays including Christmas and celebrates Kwanzaa which is quite refreshing to see, especially in a kids movie.
Overall, if you want to teach kids how the holidays are different for everyone, this is a great movie to show them. It’s even relatable enough for parents to enjoy as well. Arthur’s Perfect Christmas also includes the great message that the holidays may have some obstacles. In the end, it’s okay because it doesn’t take away from the special time of the holiday season.
My only comment is that at times the words of the characters weren’t in sync with the mouth movement.
In conclusion, Arthur’s Perfect Christmas is definitely enjoyable during the holiday season, and has a 7.9/10 rating on IMDB.
Happy holidays, and happy watching!
