Undescribable Perfection

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Santa has always been a fascinating character in fantasy lore, despite a aura of mystery about him, he's fascinating because to me he's a representation of the good of mankind, what more it can be and do for the other. This Christmas film is another childhood relic of mine which as an adult I still watch to this day, just like Santa himself this film is timeless.The animation as usual from the Ralkin and Bass company is great, I always love claymation because it all look real. Once again love the background animation which constructs a cold but beautiful fantasy atmosphere.Music is also great the songs are memorable, from Fred Astare sing the end credit song which of course is the title. Though my favorite song is the one "My world is just Beginning" from the character Jessica. I just love the lyrics and the psychedelic animation that went with the song which gave it a 70's vibe. But most importantly I just think it's a beautiful song since it's one about awakening, change and new beginning, it perfectly reflected the 70's era since that was part of what that decade was about.I kinda like how Santa's story has a bit of influence from the story of Moses, Christ, as well as Robin Hood, which I feel makes sense and all three characters were people that contributed to the well being of mankind. I really love how the film utilizes the cause and effect element because it has suttlety and reason that actually feels logical , from the reason he wears a red suit, how the reindeer had the ability to fly, the beard and many others. It's fascinating seeing how it all comes together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle forming a picture.The characters are all well designed, diverse and the voice cast are great.The late great Fred Astre as the Post Man narrator tells the story well, even like how the claymation character looks like the actor.Paul Frees whom you probably know as the voice of Boris from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" is great as the Burgermeister. The Burgermeister is a good villain you love to dislike or plain dislike, let alone has a strange name that sounds like the name of a fast food chain. Anyway, this guy he is just a complete blowhole that just power crazy, miserable and want to make life miserable for everyone for no particular reason. The guy really does cross the line as we see one really dark scene where he has a pile of toys and creates a bonfire, which is disturbing reminiscent of the book burning party the Nazi's held. It really shows the evil of being fully selfish, contributing solely to ones self all the time will bear no fruit and will make life darker and miserable not just for others but yourself.Mickey Rooney his voice just fits like a glove for Santa, believe it or not that was how I imagined would Santa would sound like. I really like how Santa is portrayed which make him all the more lovable. He's energetic, charitable, cheerful, charismatic, soicalble as he makes friends with fantasy characters, some humans, and animals. I love how his motive isn't just to delivery toys just for the sake of it, but really it's to bring joy and hope to people that very much need it or in short supply of it. But what I love most about his is that his spirit can never be broken, despite how hard things get for him as the film goes further, he never loses hope, he keeps going and grows as time goes on and become whom we all know and love him as.This film has a good message about the importance of giving, how making a contribution in life either big or small can make the world a lot friendlier and people kinder to one another. But also to always have hope and faith, as long and you hold on to them both you and them will grow stronger.The legend of Santa just like the Christmas season will live on forever as long as hope, faith, and kindness exist.Rating: 4 stars

I love the Rankin'/Bass Christmas specials. They are so timeless and relaxing to watch, and make you feel so cosy and warm, which is lacking in most Christmas movies of today. As of now, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town is one of my favourites, along with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. There are so many things to like about this special, whether it is the animation, the music or the writing.The animation is really lovely, perhaps a tad dated, but it does have this sophisticated look that adds to the special's innocence. The music is just gorgeous, the song that Jessica sings is just beautiful beyond words. As for the writing, I agree with anyone who says this one has the best writing out of the specials to come from Rankin'/Bass, a bit like I consider The Little Drummer Boy to be the most poignant. There are some sweet moments, but other parts are very funny, whether it is the interaction between the narrator and the children which was very entertaining, or the dialogue of the toy-hating Burgermeister Meisterburger such as "Ooooooouuu, I've been bamboozled". And anything Winter says borders on hysterical, like "you mustn't mind the tree monsters. Their bark is worse than their bite".The characters are wonderful, with Santa really charming here, and Burgermeister Meisterburger a sophisticated enough villain and a funny one too. And then we have the narrator, a wonderful one with some truly entertaining lines. And the voice work is outstanding, particularly strong work from Paul Frees in multiple roles including the villain of the piece Burgermeister Meisterburger. Mickey Rooney is his charming self as Santa/Kris Kringle, so he was an ideal casting choice, and Keenan Wynn was superb as Winter. And Fred Astaire, all I can say is like Rooney an inspired choice, and he was note-perfect. All in all, I am running out of things to say to praise Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, so little more to add than a 10/10. Bethany Cox

Like many who have posted, I too remember this annual jewel broad casted every year on TV. Many read too much into "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" with claims that its about capitalism, communism, post Woodstock hippie values, etc, etc, etc....the fact of the matter is that it is wonderful little story built around a favorite holiday song. I understand that it is somewhat dated, but I believe it is no longer being broad-casted because of some of the strong religious overtones and clear declaration of good values in this oh so politically correct world of ours....yes, innocence has been long lost for most younger children.

A mailman relates the story of how Santa Claus came to be. A small baby is left on the doorstep of the house where the Kringle family lives. They name him Kris. Kris (excellently voiced by Mickey Rooney) grows up to be a fine young man who decides to deliver toys to the children of the dreary small hamlet of Sombertown. But both the evil Winter Warlock (given a splendidly deep, rumbling voice by Keenan Wynn) and the mean Burgermeister Meisterburger (legendary voice actor supreme Paul Frees in top grouchy form) try to stop him. During the course of the tale we find out about the origins of Santa's red suit, his trademark heart laugh, stockings by the fireplace, why Santa goes down the chimney, presents under the Christmas, and the flying reindeer. The pleasant, good-natured tone, endearing characters (Topper the Penguin is absolutely adorable), a jaunty, merry score by Maury Laws, sweetly innocuous humor, snazzy stop-motion animation, catchy, uplifting songs, cute black and white newsreel opening, and charmingly simple story all ensure that this vintage early 70's holiday TV special from the ever reliable Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. is a hugely enjoyable affair from start to finish. Fred Astaire as the singing and dancing mailman makes for a wonderfully warm and amiable narrator. A lovely little jewel.