In the first story, peace on earth turns into a fight when Daisy (Tress MacNeille) and Minnie (Russi Taylor) face off in a competition for the title of hometown darling. Donna Gustafson said in her review, “Sporting a chorus line of hippos in tutus and gator skaters (borrowed from Fantasia), and with animation inspired by Olympic star Michelle Kwan, the Belles on Ice learn the rink isn’t big enough for the two of them- unless they become a team.”
Next, Huey, Dewey, and Louie (Russi Taylor) go off on a “Christmas Impossible” mission to make sure their names are on Santa’s nice list – knowing confidently they’ve been too naughty to get on the nice list normally. During their visit to the North Pole, the three’s selfish mission soon ruins every preparation effort of the selfless elves and ruins the holiday season for everyone. Can these ducks put up enough thought for everyone else to help save Christmas – even if they won’t receive any presents from Santa (Chuck McCann) themselves?
Christmas Maximus starts with Max (Jason Marsden) calling home to ask his father (Bill Farmer) not to do anything Goofy when he brings his girlfriend (Kellie Martin) home for the holidays. Gustafson said, “Of course that’s a tall order for the floppy-eared, bucked-toothed, well-intentioned father to fill.” During the visit, the true question becomes, “Who really lacks the ability to look beyond the outward clumsiness?”
In the fourth story, Donald’s Gift, all Donald, voiced by Tony Anselmo, wants for Christmas is peace, quiet, and a cup of hot chocolate. However, Daisey and his nephews think he should be spending time at the mall with his friends and family, enjoying all the sights and sounds of the season. Gustafson asks, “When the hustle and bustle cause the hot head to quack up, is there any way Donald Duck can bring harmony back to the holiday celebration?”
The last story is Mickey’s Dog Gone Christmas. After Pluto, voiced by Bill Farmer, becomes all paws while excitingly putting the star on the top of the tree, he finds himself in the doghouse. As Mickey, voiced by Wayne Allwine, tries to save what’s left of his decorations, the heartbroken dog decides to run away. As luck would have it, he ends up in the barn of some famous flying reindeer that happily adopt him as their own. Even though he should be elated, Pluto starts feeling homesick and would rather be back home.
Gustafson notes, “This direct-to-home release also provides some deleted scenes, a short segment featuring Michelle Kwan skating for the animation artist, and a couple of games. What is Donald Singing? proves the rest of the world has just as much trouble understanding that sibilant duck as I have. Another activity called Santa’s Workshop Challenge features some sugar coated condescending questions like, “On Christmas eve when your parents tell you to go to bed should you: a) beg and plead to stay up until Santa comes, or b) obey them.” (Perhaps such tactics will only offend viewers too old to be watching this title anyway.)”
Despite lacking any religious content, “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” does give messages of love, friendship, and caring for others. Apart from some silly pranks, slapstick humor, and ill-mannered belching, parents can feel confident putting this on for their children with this film from Disney.
I know that this isn’t as good as the first one, but I still think it is one that wouldn’t hurt to be seen by families. Check it out on Disney+ and judge for yourself. I know the animation isn’t good and looks like one of those early PC games, but I still think that the message in the end is still good for everyone to enjoy and the segments are nice.
Happy Holidays everyone. I hope all of you have a blessed holiday and enjoying time with family and having great gifts. See you tomorrow with remake of “Pete’s Dragon” in “Disney Month 2021.”
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