"How Murray Saved Christmas" was possibly the most famous television Chrstmas special from last year. It scored nominations with the Emmys and Annie Awards. The main character is voiced by Jerry Stiller, father of Ben, and Seinfeld's Jason Alexander should also be known to many. Apart from them, the cast and crew include prolific people from "The Cleveland Show", "Drawn Together", "The Simpsons" and "Futurama", so this should give you a pretty good idea of what the humor in these 42 minutes is going to be like. It's not entirely harmless, sometimes politically incorrect and possibly not worth a watch for the very small ones. But fans of these shows can give it a go. I would not say it was downright funny, but there were some decent moments. I liked the animated Andrew Sisters and my favorite joke was the punchline on being gay during the holiday season, obviously as I love language-related jokes and this meant something entirely different a long time ago. A decent watch all in all and certainly not the worst way to spend an hour when December rings in again.
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Horst_In_Translation13 August 2015
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dhu-8491830 December 2015This short Christmas movie wasn't too bad (though not entirely the best Christmas film I've ever seen either). I liked the fact that traditional animation was employed (as not many cartoons, let alone holiday ones, use that these days). I also liked how Murray decided to give the bad kids presents as well. Scenes such as where the dragon burned the king guy's piano--and when Santa was saying "Got to deliver this garbage to the brats"--made me laugh. But other humor that this special employed was quite offensive.
Most notable in the offensive category is when Murray singing "I'm so gay" was taken out of context by the other characters; then he went on to apologize for singing it (but at least added "But that way is okay"). I also noticed how many colored characters (such as the doctor, police officer, and Santa) were painted as antagonists; yet other characters like Edison Elf and Murray (white characters) were painted as protagonists. While this may seem like a subtle point to make, I would have preferred to see some more "white" villains to not make the antagonists seem so segregated.
Offensive jokes aside, there was one other problem with this special: a bad Santa Claus. I personally liked the twist, but I doubt that kids would enjoy seeing Santa in such a bad light--especially around Christmas time. The Santa in this special was cheap, cruel, a scrooge, and didn't even transform into a better person in the end; the only thing that made him humble was receiving a concussion--twice. But suffering a concussion isn't the same as changing your heart (and that was what this Santa really needed). I understand that cartoons need their antagonists; but making Santa the antagonist in a Christmas special just gives children a sour taste for the holidays.
Finally (and this is my main concern), some jokes employed in this special were quite outdated. For instance, not many kids today would know that Doc Holiday's song about Santa's concussion was a parody of that song from Mary Poppins that starts with an "S" (the title is far too long to write), nor would they know much about the "Mighty Ducks" (which the Hindu salesman mentioned when he was checking-out Santa's merchandise). When Murray was trying to recall the names of his reindeer for the little boy, he said names such as "Bambi, Rambo, Dopey", etc. I'm not saying that all kids wouldn't catch-on; but the producers would have a better chance of it by referencing current people such as Donald Trump, the Kardashians, (Star Wars as they've been popular since the 80s), etc. That said, this special would have been better understood had it aired in the 90s. But the offensive material would still have had to been dealt with.
Even with its shortcomings, "How Murray Saved Christmas" was still a pretty nice watch. It wasn't the best Holiday Special, but there were still redeeming qualities that made up for the bad--such as the traditional animation, an original and interesting setting (i.e. Stinky Cigars), and the fact that other Holiday mascots were present besides the Christmas ones (it made the special more interesting and entertaining that way). Additionally (even though he wasn't the best example for Christmas' jolly man), Santa was still an intriguing character to me. Again, I personally liked the twist; but I also have to consider his influence on children who still have to learn that Kris Kringle is a good man--not a bad one. -
llcarignan26 December 2015An oddly refreshing, offbeat take on the Christmas holiday special. After watching the two dozen or so traditional, sentimental (or even outright sappy and maudlin) classics that glorify the holiday and attempt to infuse even the most secular elements of Christmas with deep meanings, this animated parody is a bit of a refreshing blast of satire for the adults.
While hardly a "classic," it's full of gags, inside jokes, and pop culture references that serve up a few guffaws. All in all, a fun little diversion. Never as vulgar as Family Guy, but probably not worth showing to the kids. -
powelleon28 December 2014'How Murray Saved Christmas' is a lighthearted holiday cartoon aimed at adults, period. (And on Christmas Day itself? Oy! Such a concept!) Fast paced and filled with so many inside literary, historic and pop culture jokes, puns and sight gags that only adults will get. Yes, this is not like your standard "Children, Santa Claus loves you and Christmas because . . . " cartoon that will sit well with those who grew up only on Frosty, Rudolph and Snoopy. But those who live west of the Hudson and south of Yonkers, or are familiar with all of the multicultural references in "How Murray Saved Christmas" will find this cartoon to be a hoot. And, yes, it is forty-two minutes of silly rhymes, plus over-the-top Broadway-style show tunes, to boot.
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zynwoof-27-78136825 December 2014I've never posted a review here and I admit I am not a fan of the Simpsons, and as I understand, this was written "a-la-the Simpsons..."
It is offensive, vulgar, prejudicial, and just pure garbage! But we watched it in the same way you can't look away from a train wreck. I wouldn't let my child or grandchild near this mess, and I believe I will have nightmares myself tonight!
I am not sure in which genre to classify this drivel, offensive show, but it certainly does not qualify as entertainment. Too many sexual references, racial profiling remarks, and bathroom humor bits. Made me want to puke.
Delete this, if you recorded it, and don't bother to recorded it, if you didn't!
Merry Christmas! -
shominy-491-65235531 December 2014We just rented this show today and found it delightful from beginning to end! It is so clever, funny, creative, and thoroughly entertaining! All the songs are catchy and totally hum-able! The dialogue and rhymes require quick wit and superb timing! The entire voice cast is amazing and great! We usually stick with our fave Christmas shows (like "Rudolph" and "Charlie Brown" and "Grinch") but this Christmas special is worth watching again and again! Jerry Stiller is excellent as Murray - and the entire voice casting is perfect! Highly recommend this fresh, creative, funny show to any adult with a good sense of humor and an open mind for new Christmas shows!
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brelanda6 December 2014Just watched this travesty of a Christmas Special.
A pointless but clever string of rhyming, singing, and punning.
The constant striving to be clever with the rhyming left me crying(and not with laughter).
The writers were, I guess, trying to make a sort of a Dr. Seuss story, but alas they have neither the wit nor the wisdom to pull this story off. The town name "Stinky Cigars" lets the viewer know from the start that this is going to be a bad trip. This is the town where all the mythical and real characters of all the holidays live and none of them are to a one a character that you would like to run into, even on their holidays. Worst of all Santa is portrayed as a mean, greedy and ignorant boss. The elves, that make the toys, are worked day and night, no breaks and no pay, that they gleefully sing about.
One of the worst things about this travesty was that during the half hour break a commercial ran to tell one and all that in ten days you can own your own copy of this trash and "Make How Murray Saved Christmas a holiday tradition" The show was not even finished being shown and they already expect you to go out and buy a copy.
As far as I can remember there was only one well executed pun in this travesty, when Santa was looking to get some toys, after waking up from his concussion, one of the closed stores is called "Salvador's Dollies" complete with a melting clock on the marque and lamp post.
Unless you revel in the vile, skip this. -
Christmas-Reviewer19 August 2017BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.
A quaint little town called Stinky Cigars – a secret location hidden only by a name that was chosen to repel tourists – is populated by iconic holiday characters from every culture around the world. It is home to Santa Claus and his workshop full of hard-working elves, and to other holiday figures from the best-known (Cupid, the Easter Bunny, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln) to the most minor and obscure (Arbor Day Aardvark, Labor Day Amos).
The story, which is narrated in verse and "cheekily punctuated" by original songs,[1] centers on Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), an optimistic inventor with an unexpectedly hazardous new toy, and Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), the cranky owner of the town's diner. Murray's talent for delivering orders makes the unwilling curmudgeon the only person in town who can fill in for an injured Santa (Kevin Michael Richardson) on Christmas Eve.
Fun special. There is plenty of holiday material that this cleverly spoofs. What is nice is that the makers of this film do not "Dumb it Down" when I am sure they were tempted. -
This special really highlights the emptiness of forced secularism. It could more properly be called "How Murray Saved the Winter Solstice", if not for its exploitation of the word Christmas.
It is composed of a lot of rhyming but not much else. Those who are looking for a meaningful character arc, an original plot, or anything approaching a spiritual significance will be deeply disappointed.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Our story begins in a snowy town which seems to have been constructed specifically to trivialize Christmas and to put it among the other holidays for Federal and state workers/greeting card/parade/ethnic celebration/practical joke days.
Even the Santa we are introduced to makes one question why people celebrate Christmas. He is quite honestly a forceful, robber-baron type, without any of the redeeming qualities of Krampus. He virtually breaks the back of his worker elves, while offering them hot cocoa (but only at an outrageous price.)
Since he is clearly such a jerk, there are several non-sequiturs here. Firstmost: why does he even give gifts to children? Secondly, how did he attract such a multi-ethic workforce? (as any rational person would realize they would have had to immigrate and there isn't much attractive about the Far North) Also, how does he pay his elves? (he must pay them—if he is trying to make money off them). And lastly, if he is such a slave- driver, why is it the main elf we are introduced to seems to be such a loafer?
Most of the audience is probably glad when he gets punched in the face and knocked out, setting up a empty place for our titular protagonist. I won't outline the rest of the plot—because there isn't one.
There's a slight yuck factor throughout the proceedings. Cupid is bare- bottomed. Diaper rash is mentioned—for both the old year and new. The Lord's Prayer (the lone mention approaching religious significance) is said to have been burped. There's a tired old joke about sexuality based on a dumb pun. (Yes, this is a Christmas special where sexuality is discussed). Did I mention, the groundhog (Groundhog Day) is a Woody Allen- type?
There's an obvious attempt to be inclusive here. Murray ends up giving toys to both the good and bad, even to people who don't celebrate Christmas (and whose ancestors never have!). Going back to the multi- ethnic elves: who the heck ever wanted to be a Christmas elf?
Five years from now this will be long-forgotten. -
mike4812822 March 2016Some reviewer actually hated this one! It's from the Simpson's producers so it has dry and unusual humor. Murray is more of a "deli-guy" than a churchgoer, but, except for an occasional "oy" here and there, the story never touches on ethnic or religious matters at all. It all takes place in a mythical town where all the legends live: Santa, Easter Bunny, Father Time, Mother Nature, Libby (Statue of Liberty), etc. and all the North Pole elves. Santa gets boinked on the head and ends up resting in bed, so somebody has to deliver the Christmas presents. Why not Murray? He is the master of "take out-delivery" food. Outrageous and fun, and squeaky-clean. 42 Min. It all takes place in "SC", the town called "Stinky Cigars", way up North. Murray loves Libby and he wins back her love. As always, there is a mischievous elf that starts all the problems. He invents a "Jack in the Box" with a boxing glove, and it knocks Santa out!
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ekleigh-364-98373925 December 2017I was stunned that this aired at 7:30 on Christmas Eve. (!?!?!?!)
I was too disgusted to watch the whole thing, so this won't be a complete review---but I saw enough to know that children shouldn't be exposed to this crude piece of trash. -
nadams-713 December 2020I don't know how I missed this in 2014! The cast is great and the songs are clever. Don't waste you time reading the reviews of the perpetually easily offended unless you want to make fun of them. There is nothing inappropriate for children as some claim and adults will enjoy the puns and clever rhyming dialog. Be sure to pay attention to the names of the stores and signs in the background for added chuckles.
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SnoopyStyle14 December 2019Stinky Cigars is a town north of the North Pole where all the mythical beings and historical figures live. Edison Elf gives Santa a Jack in a Box. It goes horribly wrong and everyone has to pitch in to save Christmas. Only grumpy deli diner owner Murray Weiner refuses to join. It wasn't always that way. Murray had once been quite friendly especially with his girlfriend Libby, the Statue of Liberty.
This is an irreverent take on the holidays done in rhythms. It's oddly appealing for awhile. It is a bit too long as an one hour special. It would probably work better at about half as long. It's a Christmas special with a Jewish flavor. -
toddeverett6 December 2014The second (after "Olive, the other reindeer) from somewhere inside the greater Simpsons universe, this adaptation of a book is a bit toned- down from the Simpsons, but you'll recognize the sensibility -- and, to a degree, the artists -- behind it.
Well into adulthood, admittedly, I found the story, sometimes reaching but clever rhymes and songs to be great fun. Probably aimed more at older kids and their parents, many of the gags will sail by the kids with no harm done.
There is no religious significance attached the Christmas here; in fact, Santa's Jewish surrogate winds up delivering gifts to children of several faiths. To me, that's a good thing; families who wish to celebrate Christmas as a religious (and in that, exclusionary) holiday can do that in their own homes and churches. -
nashauna897914 December 2019My husband & I saw this on a listing of Christmas shows & thought we'd give it a shot. It was a good time with lots of laughs! I despise shows like Family Guy & while the animation may have looked "Family Guy-ish", it was not. It most definitely wasn't vulgar like some reviews suggest. I wouldn't let a little kiddo watch it, but 10+ should be just fine.
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Hollywood_Yoda5 December 2019Recently came across the DVD of this special at a Big Lots store, and being into Christmas and obscure films, so I bought it. I watched this thinking it was going to be another run of the mill bland Christmas special, but it wasn't, it was great. It rhymed throughout, much like a Dr. Seuss book, and had some hilarious rhymes.
This special was shown on NBC originally, and it is family friendly. No profanity is used, but there is slapstick violence. The voice cast is great, including Jerry Stiller as Murray and Jason Alexander as the doctor; both of which had starred on Seinfeld. Dennis Haysbert (or the State Farm guy) narrates the tale. -
SLaudun-123 December 2018Loved this Christmas special!!! All of the actor voices are AMAZING
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rebiskie18 July 2019Make sure you watch this, especially if you're easily offended 😁👍. Our family enjoys this yearly along with Christmas Vacation, Arthur Christmas and A Christmas Story.
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m_blackwood-1344229 December 2019Too political for me - when elves sing about healthcare I am out. Come on suspend reality will ya