Is Small Soldiers a Christmas Movie?
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the age-old debate: what constitutes a Christmas movie? Is it a film that takes place during the holiday season, features festive characters, or has a plot centered around the magic of Christmas? Or is it something more nuanced, something that captures the spirit of the season in a way that transcends traditional holiday fare?
One film that has sparked this debate in recent years is Small Soldiers, a 1998 animated adventure-comedy directed by Phil Robinson and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie follows a group of toy soldiers who come to life when their boxes are opened, and must band together to defeat an evil rival toy army led by the sinister Commando Elite.
Is Small Soldiers a Christmas Movie?
At first glance, Small Soldiers may not seem like a traditional Christmas movie. It doesn’t feature Santa Claus, reindeer, or any of the other usual suspects. However, upon closer inspection, there are several elements that suggest the film could be considered a Christmas movie.
Here are some arguments for why Small Soldiers is a Christmas movie:
• Setting: The film takes place during the holiday season, with the main characters opening their gifts on Christmas morning. This sets the tone for a festive and fun adventure.
• Themes: Small Soldiers explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of family during the holiday season. These themes are central to many traditional Christmas movies.
• Tone: The film has a lighthearted and playful tone, which is reminiscent of many classic Christmas movies. The humor is clever and witty, and the action sequences are fast-paced and exciting.
But what about the arguments against Small Soldiers being a Christmas movie?
• Lack of traditional Christmas elements: As mentioned earlier, Small Soldiers doesn’t feature traditional Christmas elements like Santa Claus or reindeer. This could be seen as a major departure from the traditional Christmas movie formula.
• Focus on toys: The film’s focus on toy soldiers and their battles could be seen as a departure from the traditional Christmas movie focus on family and relationships.
• PG-13 rating: Small Soldiers received a PG-13 rating due to some mild violence and thematic elements. This could be seen as too intense for younger viewers, and may not be suitable for all families.
A Table to Help You Decide
| Criteria | Small Soldiers | Traditional Christmas Movies |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Holiday season | Holiday season |
| Themes | Friendship, teamwork, family | Family, love, redemption |
| Tone | Lighthearted, playful | Heartwarming, sentimental |
| Traditional Christmas elements | None | Santa Claus, reindeer, etc. |
| Rating | PG-13 | G or PG |
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not Small Soldiers is considered a Christmas movie is ultimately up to personal interpretation. While it may not fit the traditional mold of a Christmas movie, it explores themes and has a tone that are reminiscent of many classic holiday films. If you’re looking for a fun and action-packed holiday movie that’s a little different from the usual fare, Small Soldiers might be the perfect choice.
Additional Reading
- Toy Story (1995) – Another animated film that explores the world of toys and features a similar blend of humor and adventure.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – A stop-motion animated film that blends Halloween and Christmas themes in a unique and imaginative way.
- Elf (2003) – A live-action comedy starring Will Ferrell as a human raised by elves who goes to New York City to find his birth father.
I hope this article has helped you decide whether or not Small Soldiers is a Christmas movie. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s a fun and entertaining film that’s worth watching during the holiday season.
