Mariann (Marte Klerck-Nilssen) is getting ready for Christmas with her family when she spots a Teddy (Zachary Levi) she wants to win at a Christmas fair. Seeing the teddy move, she sets her sights on winning him. After taking a spin of the wheel at the booth, Mariann’s ticket matches the number on the teddy but he moves the wheel believing he would be better suited to an adult, who can show him the world. Upset, Mariann is determined to get Teddy but her hopes are dashed when he’s bought by a mysterious man. That leads Mariann and her brother (Vergard Strand Eide) on a journey that teaches them valuable life lessons and the true meaning of Christmas.
“Teddy’s Christmas” is a Norwegian feature and it’s good old-fashioned wholesome family fun. In a bid to make the film appeal to international film-goers, it has been dubbed into English and ‘Shazam!’ star Zachary Levi has been drafted in to be the voice of the teddy at the centre of the story. Adults, like me, will likely find the dubbing a little distracting (personally I prefer subtitles) but kids probably won’t even notice. Inspired by the work of Norwegian author Alf Prøysen, the film is a good mix of heart-warming story and family drama that is suitable for all ages.
The film separates its main story into two with Mariann and her brother trying to find Teddy, and getting themselves into plenty of trouble in the process, and Teddy finding himself stuck alongside a hedgehog toy called Bolla (Marianne Graffam), who wants to be hugged and helps Teddy realise the error of his decision to alter the result of the wheel spin. Mariann’s storyline also explores her dysfunctional family with her father (Jan Gunnar Røise) frequently losing his temper, her mother (Mariann Hole) trying to hold the family together, and her brother questioning whether or not Santa could be his father.
The animation in the film works very well, and is probably one of the stronger elements. Teddy and Bolla are beautifully brought to life and they blend nicely into the live action settings of the film. Sometimes animation can be very jarring but it’s handled remarkably well here. It helps that Teddy is super cute too, and I can imagine plenty of kids wanting a Teddy of their own.
It’s hard really to comment on the acting given that all of the actors are dubbed. Marte Klerck-Nilssen is strong as Mariann, a true force of nature that won’t take no for an answer. Zachary Levi adds plenty of energy and charisma as the voice of Teddy too, and his involvement will likely ensure the film gets a little more attention than it would have done.
“Teddy’s Christmas” may not reinvent the wheel but it reinforces traditional values and it does actually make you think about the festive season, and what it means to different people. Parents will be able to identify with the challenges of having inquisitive children like Mariann while kids will enjoy the magic of a Teddy that comes to life. “Teddy’s Christmas” is a surprisingly sweet film that is better than it has any right to be, and it’s one you can share as a family this Christmas.
Cast: Zachary Levi, Marte Klerck-Nilssen, Vergard Strand Eide, Marianne Graffam, Mariann Hole, Jan Gunnar Røise Director: Andrea Eckerbom Writers: Lars Gudmestad & Harald Rosenløw-Eeg Certificate: U Duration: 76 mins Released by: Dazzler Media Release date: 1st December 2023
