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Year: 2002
Runtime: 21 min
Language: English
Director: John A. Davis
In this animated short, a rogue snowman's bid for holiday hijacking sparks an all-out battle between jolly old Saint Nick and his icy challenger. With festive fervor, these two iconic figures clash in a war of wits, whimsy, and winter wonderland mayhem.
Warning: spoilers below!
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As the starry night sky sparkles above, a lonely Snowman (nameless) finds himself caught in a cycle of melancholy, his soothing flute melodies interrupted by a mysterious light. This unexpected flash not only destroys his beloved instrument but ignites an insatiable curiosity within him. Driven by this newfound intrigue, the Snowman’s nocturnal adventures lead him to the enchanted world of Santa’s Village, where delightful aromas of sugar and spice fill the air. There, in the thriving toy workshop, he discovers a captivating red and gold flute whose enchanting notes call out to him.
Just as he seizes this magical flute, a piercing alarm shatters the tranquility, urging him to flee. Yet, Santa’s sprightly elves, dispatched by the jovial old man himself, are close behind. The Snowman attempts to escape by leaping off a cliff, grabbing hold of an icicle stalactite to hide from his relentless pursuers. When calm returns and the dust settles, the alluring flute is left behind, while the Snowman slips away, his mind swirling with thoughts of wonder and dreams inspired by Santa’s workshop.
As the days unfold, the Snowman’s imagination spirals, envisioning himself adorned in Santa’s distinct hat, spreading joy and warmth to everyone around. A sudden twinge of envy strikes him – why should Santa be the sole dispenser of happiness? It is high time that someone else enjoys the affection and adulation that comes with such a festive role. Thus, a cunning plan begins to take shape.
Adopting a clever disguise as an ice cream cone camera, the Snowman joins the village’s guided train tour, capturing moments against the backdrop of Santa’s iconic sleigh. However, his ruse does not go unnoticed, and he is soon unceremoniously ejected from the village. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, ambitiously crafting a variety of sinister tools to assist in his impending takeover, rallying an army of snowman minions to support his quest for Santa’s throne. As the Snowman’s once-innocent intentions turn dark, he becomes consumed by his desire for recognition and to seize the title of the world’s most beloved bringer of joy.
With the snowman’s minions marching toward Santa’s Village, the cheerful old elf quickly mobilizes his trusty elves to fend off this invasion. A chaotic battle erupts, with elves valiantly trying to melt their snowy foes, while the Snowmen retaliate fiercely with snowball attacks. As Christmas approaches, Santa realizes he must step into the fray himself, suiting up in a gigantic Nutcracker mech that proves a formidable force against the snowman’s monstrous minions. Although the Snowman unleashes a colossal creature made of ice, Santa’s mechanical skills ultimately prove superior, using a meticulously crafted heat gun to shrink the icy behemoth down to size.
As the chaotic battlefield quiets down, it seems the Snowman is ready to give in, yet he is soon bolstered by a fresh wave of recruits. Numbers are against Santa and his elves, who find themselves captured and imprisoned within a frosty cage, while the Snowman heads off to complete his own festive mission.
Feeling victorious and excited about the love that awaits him, the Snowman glides over rooftops atop a snowy replica of Santa’s sleigh, with his minions serving as makeshift reindeer. His destination? A cozy little girl’s home, where he hurries to the front door. Meanwhile, an elf named Flippy stealthily frees Santa and the elves, setting the stage for a daring rescue.
As the Snowman presents a broken ice doll to the young girl, he watches in horror as it explodes into a shower of fragments. Stunned and humiliated by his own blunders, he is soon joined by Santa who arrives bearing a beautifully crafted porcelain doll that lights up the little girl’s face with joy.
Instead of seeking revenge for the Snowman’s earlier misdeeds, Santa extends a gesture of redemption, offering him the very flute he had tried to steal. As they prepare to part ways, the Snowman is shocked to find that his sleigh and minions have melted away, warmed by the gentle glow from the little girl’s chimney.
In an unexpected twist, Santa offers the Snowman a friendly ride back home, and from this unusual journey, a new friendship blossoms between the two former adversaries, united by the warmth and magic of the holiday season.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:15
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