“Franklin’s Magic Christmas” (2001)

Franklin’s Magic Christmas

Brief Description: 

In this delightful holiday special, Franklin and his little sister Harriet embark on an arduous Christmas journey, to find help for their injured Grandpa, from Faraway Farm back to Woodland. Franklin is convinced that “being a big brother is big trouble” until this festive adventure reminds our hero he is very lucky to share this magical Christmas memory with his very special little sister.

(from YouTube)

Date: 2001

Genre: canadian family Christmas TV special

Running time: 55 minutes

Cast: 

Noah Reid (Franklin)

Richard Newman (Mr. Turtle / Great-Grandfather)

Elizabeth Saunders (Mrs. Turtle)

Bryn McAuley (Harriet)

Joyce Gordon (Grandmother)

Eric Peterson (Grandfather)

Luca Perlman (Bear)

Kristen Bone (Beatrice / Young Grandmother)

Mari Trainor (Dr. Bear)

Donald Burda (Mr. Bear)

Chris Wiggins (Mr. Collie)

Araby Lockhart (Mrs. Collie)

Director: John van Bruggen

Production company: Nelvana

Based on: Franklin & Harriet by Paulette Bourgeois & Brenda Clark

Wikipedia page 

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, I love the Franklin aesthetic & setting. It’s so homey and wholesome and sweet! The farm was delightfully old-fashioned and the woods added a wonderful element of a cozy snowy setting. 

Characters: 5/5

I love Franklin. He’s such a sweet, responsible boy. Of course in this film he acts up a little but honestly, as the oldest of 9 siblings, I get him. I have often felt like him. XD I would have loved some apologies and understanding but overall his arc was well done. Harriet was adorable and I was so happy they made her realistic without making her a brat (except when she sneaked out lol). And both the parents and grandparents were awesome, even if they were a tiny bit oblivious to Franklin & Harriet’s issues. 

Plot: 4.5/5

This was what I call a mild Christmas story—It would still have been a (great) story if it had been set at any other time in winter. So I appreciated the mix of Christmassy elements like carols and decorations while also being a simple winter tale. As aforementioned, I loved the old-fashioned element brought by Grandma & Grandpa (particularly with the flashback) and the plot of the story was natural and flowed well.

Now, I was skeptical about whether this was really magical or not, which is why I tried the film. There was only a hint of what might be called magic. I see it as fantasy or imagination (I mean, we have talking turtles, why not flying reindeer?) The basic plot is that the reindeer lost his bell and shows up whenever it is rung, and he flies. At the end it’s hinted that the reindeer belonged to Santa and Franklin sees him + the reindeer flying. Harriet + Franklin call the reindeer magic once, but that’s all. Overall, I didn’t have much of an issue with that part, although of course I would have liked it better without.  

Also, I loved the part when Franklin & Harriet sang Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star—the real poem! So unique and beautiful. <3

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

The theme was loving siblings + understanding them and taking care of one’s family.

Content: 5/5 (low)

Besides the magic/Santa lines, a little bit of temper from Franklin, as mentioned above, but nothing very shocking/bad. 

Overall: 4.5/5

This was a very sweet, wholesome, and unique Christmas movie that could be enjoyed any time of the winter and probably by the whole family with maybe a fast-forward or two at the end.