Lack of good storyline.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I don't know much about "Babar", either the books or TV shows and movies. But I do know that "Babar and Father Christmas" is a wonderful special that never fails to engage me with its magic. This feature departs from some traditional American conventions (Santa Claus is always referred to as "Father Christmas", the North Pole is "North of Boromir") but delivers the tough-to-define, but easy-to-recognize qualities of winning Christmas specials (like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street"). You gain a great deal of insight for the characters in this half-hour special, even if it is your introduction to them, and Babar's journey to meet Father Christmas is touching and fulfilling. "Babar and Father Christmas" successfully captures the warmth and joy of the Christmas season; its spirit and atmosphere are responsible for much of the allure. I only wish it was on DVD, as my aging videocassette is not taking the annual viewings so well.