Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

Merry Christmas! (Please click the links to read about the other Christmas-themed movies I reviewed in 2011, 2012, 2013, and last year)

Synopsis: Lovable aquatic furballs discover the true meaning of Christmas. 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “A fun-filled musical Christmas treat starring lovable Muppet friends in a heartwarming tale of love, family and good cheer!

• The perfect gift for the whole family!
•  Sure to be a perennial Christmas tradition!
• Starring Instantly lovable Muppet characters!
•  Narrated by Everyone’s all-time favorite – Kermit the Frog!
• Based on a book by Russell and Lillian Hoban
• Featuring Original Music by Paul Williams!”

What Did I Learn?: You can’t make money selling snake oil because nobody wants to oil a snake. 

You Might Like This Movie If: You want to catch a few minutes of the coolest rock band EVER! 

Really?: 1) So, why does the Nightmare band have a fish as a member? He’s difficult to transport, and as far as I can tell, he doesn’t actually do anything on-stage besides swim around violently. 2) Um, I really didn’t need to hear those same songs sung two or three times. 3) So, Ma pawns the family tool chest while Emmet puts a hole in Ma’s washtub. Considering both of those items are essential to their economic well-being, I had a hard time believing either of them would take such foolhardy actions.4) Emmet and his mother sing a song about a fat lady's bathing suit. That seems a little insensitive.

Rating: I can’t believe I missed Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas when it was first released in 1977. I loved the Muppets, and I would have watched this in a heartbeat. After seeing it for the first time as an adult, however, I’m not entirely sure what to think of EOJBC. Emmet and his mother are likeable characters, and the story itself is sweet and appropriate for the season. EOJBC is a nice little Christmas special, although the plot meanders, and there are a few too many songs (and worse – repeated songs) for my taste. I have no idea if contemporary kids could sit through this holiday speical, but it is worth a viewing. 8/10 stars. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075988/?ref_=nv_sr_1