This thing is weirder than Eraserhead and more convoluted than the Matrix trilogy.

A concept with potential, and it was fun to see these two holiday icons together, but...Rudolph's glowing nose didn't require the "explanation" offered in this film - much like The Force in the Star Wars films didn't need the explanation of "medichlorians in the bloodstream." But mainly, the film left me cold because of Winterbolt's over-complicated plot to destroy Santa. He's got the power to put suggestions into people's minds, so why does he do things in such a roundabout way? Breaking the magic of Rudolph's nose, framing Rudolph, threatening to melt the Frosty family...The comedically exaggerated plots of Pinky and the Brain and "Phineas and Ferb's" Dr. Doofenshmirtz (which are done that way on purpose and played for laughs) seem simple and straightforward compared to Winterbolt's, which we're expected to take somewhat seriously.There is a particularly (and amusingly) strange moment when a character throws her two guns at the bad guy, like boomerangs. I understand if they don't want to have guns being shot in a family film, but then why have guns in the first place?

If you're a Ranken and Bass fan like I am, then you're bound to enjoy this one! As soon as Halloween wraps up, it seems as though Im waiting around with my Tivo at the ready to record each and every R/B stop-motion holiday special. "Christmas in July" is the longest of the group, running at an hour and a half, and was one of the last produced. Sure, its a little ridiculous in that its a Holiday plot in the middle of the summer, but its fun-filled reunion-ensemble show! And it has one of the best R/B villains: Winterbolt. This special is a personal favorite of mine! Anyone who cant enjoy it is either a Scrooge, or not appreciative of the lost art of stop-motion film-making.

Okay, I'm a big fan of all that is Rankin/Bass, so I'm a little biased in enjoying this film. I got to watch this film on a cold winter day, huddled up in some blankets and reconnect with some old TV X-mas friends from winter's past. First of all it was nice to see Frosty and his clan finally made into clay-mation form. The Frosty cartoons are great, but clay-mation makes it more original and unique. Plus all the guest appearances by Big Ben, Jack Frost, Santa and Mrs. Claus from previous Rankin/Bass specials. Sure it is a long (over an hour and a half), but you do find the true origin of Rudolph's shiny nose!