Christmas movies are fun. No matter which part of the world they come from, these films are all united by themes of hope, joy, and gratitude, with added snowflakes and miracles. Teddy's Christmas is one such joyous venture. Hitting the theatres in the UK and Ireland on 1st December, this Norwegian film is directed by Andrea Eckerbom and is based on author Alf Prøysen's popular children's song. Catered for young children, the movie centres around a child's love for a teddy bear. While the film has its misses, it still has moments of joy.
The local Christmas market is bustling with festive cheer, and little Mariann is out running some errands when she spots a cute teddy bear. As she looks on, she realises that the teddy bear is actually alive and moving. An excited Mariann is determined to have it, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Teddy dreams of finding a wealthy owner who can take him out into the big world. The movie revolves around Mariann's quest to acquire the teddy bear.
The movie features stunning visuals of snowy landscapes and beautiful Christmas markets. Unlike the typical Christmas movies, this film portrays the traditional celebration of a humble family rather than an extravagant one filled with magic and miracles. The simplicity is aesthetically pleasing and shines through. Teddy, the furry CGI bear resembles the stuffed toy every child grew up playing with. While the CGI is impressive, the film takes some time to establish a connection with the audience. Actor Zachery Levi (Shazam!) voices Teddy in the English version and does a great job livening up the otherwise gloomy movie.
The storytelling is somewhat flawed. We see a child open to aspire and wonder but pulled back by their parents. Movies should inspire children to embrace who they are and stay curious, conveying the message of self-acceptance instead of criticism. The film does quite the opposite. Moreover, the movie fails to deliver a clear message about Teddy's transition from greedy to cuddly. Bolla is an adorable character that the audience would have loved to see more of. Bolla's musical number, though impressive, feels forced and switches the genre altogether. A few minutes in, the film feels like a soap opera of holiday movies, with way less drama. Though the film is not formulaic, it would have been better if it were, especially adapting to current times. Overall, Teddy's Christmas is a slow-going heartwarming movie that falls short of a cuddle.
Dazzler Media presents Teddy's Christmas in UK and Irish cinemas from 1st December