The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas

Get ready for some holiday spirits as the first family of fright rallies to show melancholy Eddie Munster (Bug Hall) some of the holly, jolly magic that only Santa (Mark Mitchell) can bring. With no one from the original cast involved, and not even the second cast, you might think this would be terrible. And for some people, it might be. Grandpa's makeup is pretty questionable, and only Lily really looks close to the way she should. But the actors involved are mostly notable and not just bums off the street, and the overall humor is pretty good -- the yard decorations, the bikers, the fruitcake. I think this is not necessarily a must-see Christmas film, but far better than some of the rubbish out there.

source: The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas

I am not dead set against the notion of a Munsters reboot. However, when I began watching "The Munster's Scary Little Christmas", I couldn't help but notice that some of the new cast looked and sounded little like the originals...especially Grandpa. In addition, while they made up Sam McMurray to look a lot like Herman, he sure didn't sound like him and the cheesy laugh was absent. His Herman seemed much more subdued and sullen. So, as you watch this one, try NOT comparing it to the originals, as the cast comes up short. The plot finds the Munster family trying to throw a special Christmas for the sake of Eddie. This is because the boy is in a funk because he misses Christmas in Transylvania...and Christmas in California is quite disappointing. While Grandpa tries to conjure up some help, he accidentally strands Santa at the Munster home as well as his jerk elves. Can the Munsters manage to still pull off a great holiday? This is just okay....nothing more. As I mentioned, the characters didn't seem quite right and I felt the subplot involving the elves being enslaved jerks really didn't work for me. Not completely terrible...but not very good either.

I don't recall the previous Munsters film with a new cast. Ann Magnuson and Sam McMurray played Herman and Lily Munster. They still live in the gothic mansion with Lily's father, Grandpa; cousin, Marilyn; and son Eddy. The television movie is about Eddy getting the Christmas spirit. Throw in Santa Claus and Grandpa's spell and two mischievous elves looking for Christmas Eve off. The movie is lighthearted and family fun. I always enjoyed the Munsters more than the Addams family perhaps they were always lighter in mood and spirit.

I liked the original Munsters series on TV; Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Butch Patrick were perfectly cast in their parts. Unfortunately the Munster's Scary Little Christmas has none of the wit and charm of the original series. With the exception of Ann Magnuson's Lily, all the other actor's playing Munsters are pale imitations of the originals. This movie is so bad it can't even work on a pseudo-nostalgic level, as the acting, and especially the writing is so bad that one can't revive any affection felt for the original characters. It is written as if it were targeted for 6 year olds. Even Santa is an unsympathetic superficial caricature. The Santa in the Dudley Moore Santa Claus movie had more personality, heck, the Santa in "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" had more personality and depth! *SPOILER ALERT* (as if you could spoil something this rotten) When the elves turn Santa into a fruitcake, you don't care; on the other hand, when Herman casually mentions that their pet, Spot, ate the mailman, I was more upset! The only other redeeming qualities of this film are Elaine Hendryx's (Marilyn) legs. Skip this and watch the Christmas episode of the Munsters' first season instead.

I loved the original Munsters series from the 1960's. I also enjoyed the reunion movie from 1981. However, I cannot say I enjoyed The Munsters Today from 1988. So before I saw this film in 1996 I was a little apprehensive. But it's a magical film which will be loved by kids and adults alike. As the title suggests, it's set during the fantastic Christmas period where The Munsters get up to all sorts of fun. Oh, and they also receive a visit from many other creatures throughout the world (I think I spotted The Creature from The Black Lagoon at one point). The cast all do a great job. It's hard filling the shoes of the great actors from the 60's series but the cast do a wonderful job of recreating the magic (if only all TV remake movies could do it). The film has many funny scenes throughout. Fans of the original series, I recommend you check this out. You won't be disappointed.

About what you'd expect from the weirdest family in southern california. As Eddie displays negative emotions toward the holidays the family attempts to dredge him from the depths of the Christmas doldrums. Along the way Grampa tries to help Santa with his gift giving by concocting a magic potion for the jolly one but is hindered by a pair of pesky elves. As all this is going on Mrs. M and Eddie enter the house decorating contest with an unusual decor, much to the chagrin of an obnoxious, competitive neighbor. Pretty lame, but still some silly fun.