Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

gavin6942 A mailman (Fred Astaire) reveals the origin of Santa Claus (Mickey Rooney).I really like this story, especially the idea of an evil Burgermeister (which seems to put this story somewhere in Germany). Rather than just have Santa be this elf who does good things, he has something of a foe that spurs him along to bigger and better things.I do wonder how much of this has become accepted mythology, and how much has not. It seems like Rankin Bass really wanted to tie up the loose ends of all the Santa Claus traits, and they did a fine job. But does it jibe with other films and stories? And do the kids notice?

hellraiser7 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

tforbes-2 Mirok's comments concerning "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" were incredibly insightful. I was surprised no mention was made of the toy burnings, since they would reflect the book burnings in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.Beyond that, this is ABC's best Christmas special, and is one that is edgier than the 1964 Rudolph special. Made during the height of the Vietnam turmoil, this show also has a LOT of heart, and is a deeply affecting production. It offers a lot of lessons concerning good will and compassion, something so sorely lacking in 21st Century American society.And the producers did all of us a favour by bringing on Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Paul Frees and Keenan Wynn for this production! The music is world class, and even Jessica's solo number is fantastic! Hers is a case of a 1970 trippy song that has become a classic! Gotta love it!!

Tracy_Terry_Moore With an arrogant smirk on his smug face, Kris Kringle blows into town and starts handing out presents to every gloomy puss he sees even though he has been warned by the law to keep his mouth and his bag of toys shut - in that order.Everybody's in an uproar over this pretentious do-gooder including the mean wizard warlock dude up on the mountain. It's a rambunctious mess when Kris gets freed from jail and starts causing trouble again, making the kids cry and the hottest chick teacher in town sell out her conservative scruples to become a liberal cry-baby.OK telling of how Santa Claus came to be, though when he's a young Kris Kringle, you'll want to throw a snowball in his pompous face.