The Smurfs try to help two little kids who have an evil uncle out to kidnap them. Gargamel is out to ruin the Smurfs' Christmas because....well, he's Gargamel, isn't that reason enough? The two plots collide when the uncle invites Gargamel in on the kidnapping plot. A fun TV Christmas special from my childhood with a few surprisingly dark moments for a cartoon series known for its saccharinity. For the most part, it's exactly what you might expect if you've seen the series. Look, it's The Smurfs, so how you feel about them will decide how much you like this special. I grew up on them so nostalgia may be coloring my view somewhat, but I enjoy this even today. The Smurfs are likable, from Brainy to Hefty to Papa Smurf and so on. The kids are cute, especially when they think Papa is Santa Claus. The uncle, who wears a snazzy purple outfit complete with cape, is a hissable villain if there ever was one. In the end, he's revealed to be....well, you'll see. It's the Smurfs and it's Christmas -- both of those things tend to lend themselves to ridicule from cynical types. While I see how it could be viewed sarcastically, it's one of those things that I can put aside my snarky "adult" attitude once a year and enjoy it for what it is: a wholesome and upbeat story about good vs evil and the power of love.
Review of The Smurfs Christmas Special
