A blast from the past

Do you remember this toy ad from the 80s?

Of course you don't. Because Lots-o-Huggin' bear doesn't exist except in the fabulously well realised imaginations of the creatives at Pixar studios as they put the finishing touches to the long awaited animation Toy Story 3. If it wasn't brilliant enough that they created a concept whereby they practically designed their own merchandise, viral videos such as this show their dedication to making you believe in the magic. I could have owned a Lots-o-Huggin' bear instead of a Care Bear (Sunshine bear, just in case you were wondering) and I remember ads just like this one. This commercial would have fitted quite nicely in between a 'Baby wee wee' and 'My Little Pony' ad. But what I love about this ad, complete with the dodgy tracking making you believe its been recorded on VHS, is that this isn't for the little ones who will one day have their own memories of toy ads. It's for all us grown-ups out there. Now as depressing as it is to refer to myself as one of these, I take great comfort in knowing that someone out there that cares about us oldies too. And so when I sit down in the cinema to watch Toy Story 3, I will be able to believe in the magic just as much as my 4 year old nephew sat next to me.

Toy Story 3 is released in Cinemas in the UK on July 23, 2010

Twas the Night before Christmas...

5.The Santa Clause (1994)

You would think that a plot involving Father Christmas falling off the roof of house to his death sounds a bit unsuitable for children, but you'd be wrong.

The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen in one of his better film roles, is all about what happens when Scott Calvin, a work-obsessed single dad is trying to convince his only son Charlie that Santa exists whilst not really believing it himself. But everything changes when Charlie convinces his father to take over Santa's job when he falls off the roof.

The Santa Clause is not really that unconventional, Christmas stories centred around the theme of 'believing in Santa Claus' are common (see Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and The Polar Express (2004)for perfectly good examples of this). But what is different is the way that the film tackles the problems of the non-nuclear family at Christmas especially in relation to children.

This film was never going to be an award botherer and it does come with its own brand of stateside cheese in parts, but its one of my Christmas guilty secrets and a great one for the kids.

Violence and a sprinkle of Christmas Cheer.. No, this isn't Die Hard.

8. Home Alone (1990)

What more could you want than a bit of senseless violence at Christmas? And what's the family favourite that delivers it better than Father Christmas on caffeine? Why, Home Alone of course. Admittedly the violence is presented in a slapstick, cartoon style and so as a kid you don't think too much about the consequences. And even though the baddies are pretty bad you know they're never going to get killed. Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) are real life Wile E. Coyotes.

But watching Home Alone as an adult (if i can be classed as that) you start to think ludicrous things like 'oh that's not realistic, Harry would at least have been hospitalised with 2nd degree burns if his head was set on fire like that; And Marv would really need to have a tetanus shot after stepping on that rusty nail.'

It's like, it's not bad enough that Christmas isn't as good when you grow up, but you cant even enjoy a bit of mindless violence without your stupid sense of reality trying to ruin your fun.

However, whilst watching this film it occured to me that even with the drabness of old age you can't really ruin Home Alone. Simply because it allows you to remember what Christmas used to be like. Not because as a child it was tradition to throw paint cans off the landing onto unsuspecting visitors heads, but because I remember watching Home Alone as a child. Because I remember watching it at Christmas and I remember the excited feeling related to the viewing experience.

So if you're feeling a little bit lacking in Christmas spirit, watch Home Alone (in glorious VHS for authenticity if you can) and sit under the Christmas tree, look up at the lights and remember for a little while what it was like to be a kid at Christmas.

And here's an oh-so special trailer of the film. So do as 'The Culkin' says and sing along..

Don't say I never treat you!