Exploring Childhood Wonders in a Winter Tale

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MOVIE REVIEW
Teddy’s Christmas (Teddybjørnens jul)
G –

Genre: Adventure, Family
Year Released: 2022, 2023
Runtime: 1h 16m
Director(s): Andrea Eckerbom
Writer(s): Lars Gudmestad, Harald Rosenløw-Eeg
Cast: Zachary Levi, Marte Klerck-Nilssen, Jan Gunnar Røise, Nader Khademi, Mariann Hole
Language: English Dub
Where To Watch: in theaters December 1, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Andrea Eckerbom's TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS, a journey into a snow-kissed, quaint town, unfolds like a classic Christmas card come to life. It's a visual and emotional exploration that blends the simplicity of a bygone era's Christmas with the deep-seated essence of family connections. The film, steeped in a festive atmosphere, brings the old-world charm of traditional markets, classic fashion, and heartfelt gifting to the fore.

At the heart of TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS is Mariann, an eight-year-old girl brimming with awe and curiosity. Marte Klerck-Nilssen portrays Mariann, whose world becomes a magical adventure upon discovering a teddy bear (voiced by Zachary Levi) with a life-like aura. The bear's journey, marked by unexpected detours from a child's embrace to a shed shared with Bolla, a plush hedgehog, parallels Mariann's emotional quest to reunite with her new friend.

Eckerbom's direction in TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS is a deliberate step away from reality, crafting a whimsical, fairy-tale Christmas adventure. While leaning towards the fanciful, the film's ambiance is infused with inviting warmth. The film feels like a mix of the old classic made-for-TV Christmas films mixed with just a pinch of the Hallmark-style films of the modern day. There’s no question this film is meant for the family to gather around and enjoy.

Aimed primarily at a younger demographic, TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS is a gateway into a world that feels like an enchanting children's book coming to life. Drawing from Alf Prøysen's tale, it mirrors the adventurous essence. The film brings a well-balanced blend of fantasy and reality to the screen with mixed results in animation. I would have liked to have seen a deeper dive into Mariann’s character, more of a history, and why this adventure is so important to her. The narrative arc concludes in a manner befitting a family-centric holiday film. It imparts a heartfelt lesson about the joy of simple things and the richness of true friendship.

Set against a charming Norwegian village backdrop, TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS revisits classic holiday themes – family, imagination, and the wonder of Christmas. With her rich imagination, Mariann forges a special bond with the teddy bear, an animated character longing for experiences beyond his plush confines and one who also learns a valuable lesson. The film handles themes of innocence and greed against the backdrop of the festive spirit, along with some cute special effects and a fittingly jubilant soundtrack. The straightforward storyline is narrated with a sense of beauty and grace, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit and the joy found in the act of giving.

In conclusion, Andrea Eckerbom's TEDDY'S CHRISTMAS is a cozy blanket of holiday cheer, offering a pleasant cinematic experience for families. While it may not be groundbreaking, it is a charming addition to the Christmas movie genre. With its engaging narrative and visually appealing elements, the film brings joy and wonder, even as it stops short of fully realizing its potential. While subtitles don’t bother me in films, the English voiceovers in this are an understandable addition to make it a more appealing watch for all.

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[photo courtesy of CAPELIGHT PICTURES, BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT]