Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"Yes, Virginia" is an American short film from over 5 years ago, for the holidays 2009, that deals with the (non-)existence of Santa Claus. A bitchy (slightly older) girl tells Virginia, our title character, that Santa Claus is fiction. All her attempts to gain trust in Santa again fail as her parents are fairly helpless too, so she decides to write a letter to a newspaper and ask for a definite answer. Unlucky for her, the newspaper editor is a bit of a Grinch or is he really? This was a solid little film. I liked pretty much all aspects about it, but I wish the animation could have been a bit better, so this film may have delivered more on the emotional side. I am not too sure if I liked the looks of the main character. In terms of voice acting, there is nothing wrong with this movie here. Some fairly famous names in the cast and the lead actress also has some decent experience already despite her age. Even if this 22-minute film did not win an Emmy like a previous version of the story did, it is still a pretty good watch for the holidays. Recommended and especially impressive since the director and writers all have little to no experience in terms of filmmaking. I wish them they can rekindle their careers again.
sandiegokidz
This is a beautiful, heartwarming story that is great for the whole family. The animation is very well done and the Believe Meter helps even young kids understand what is happening throughout the story. I understand they used children to voice all of the kids roles and the wonder and delight, as well as the disappointments, clearly came through the roles. The characters are charming and endearing and all of the children who I've seen watch it have loved it. It's a great way to start off the holiday season and we plan on making it a family tradition to help us kick off our holiday cheer. I hope it will remain a holiday tradition for many years to come.
John M. Clones
I like this one. there is one point that I want to make. WHen they were talking about Santa in other countries they referred to Santa Claus in Turkey as Haigha Sava. Turks are Moslim and don't celebrate Chrsitmas. Turkey in 2897 had a Christian minority consisting of Greeks, Armeniasn Syrinas Etc. The Turks are 99.9% Mulsim. "Aigha Sava" or St.Sava(Savas) Is a Greek Orthodox Saint from the 4th and 5th century. There was a reference to Santa clause in Japan. The Japanese are 99% Budists. Any Christmas celebrations in these countries is recent. I liked this show and I hope that it is on next year. I like neal patrick harris. This letter that Virginia wrote is often published around Christmas time every year in newspapers and magazines.
jessrobbin
This short (only a 1/2 hour with commercials) telling of the now-well-known letter to the editor of the New York Sun written by 8 yr old Virginia is a well-told and touching special. The animation is great, it is almost claymation-like (similar to a Tim Burton movie). The characters are voiced by entertaining actors, including Neil Patrick Harris and Alfred Molina, as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mike Buscemi (Steve Buscemi's brother). The writing is spectacular (newcomer Chris Plehal delivers a wonderful holiday tale). This was produced and supported by Macy's, but other than a very subtle "RH Macy's" sign in the background of a few scenes, it does not feel forced nor does it scream "product placement." Everyone should add this to their yearly Christmas traditions!
AD
