The Trolls and the Christmas Express
The Trolls and the Christmas Express

The Trolls and the Christmas Express

1981Movie30 minEnglish

The Trolls and the Christmas Express is an animated classic about six roguish trolls who are determined to sabotage Christmas by infiltrating Santa's village disguised as elves. After a week of wreaking havoc but still not completely ruining Christmas, they are about to give up when they get a devilishly clever idea. On the day before Christmas Eve they get the reindeer dancing and singing songs all night long. The poor reindeer are so tired the next day that they cannot find the energy to pull Santa's sleigh. Christmas looks like it has finally been ruined - but everyone knows you can't stop Christmas! The elves quickly devise a plan to link the train from Santa's village with tracks that travel all over the world. Santa can deliver the toys using the Christmas Express.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules BassGenres: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Holiday

Plot Summary

A group of trolls, living in a cave, decide to build their own Christmas express train to deliver presents to the children of the nearby town. However, their journey is fraught with peril as they encounter various obstacles and challenges on their way. With the help of their friends, the trolls must overcome these hurdles to ensure Christmas arrives on time.

Critical Reception

This animated holiday special is generally considered a charming, albeit somewhat quaint, entry in the Rankin/Bass holiday tradition. While it may not reach the iconic status of some of their other works, it offers a heartwarming story and a positive message about the spirit of giving. It's often appreciated for its distinctive stop-motion animation style and gentle humor, making it a pleasant watch for families during the holiday season.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique visual style and festive atmosphere.
  • Appreciated for its simple yet effective holiday message.
  • Considered a charming, if less famous, holiday special from a renowned animation duo.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Trolls and the Christmas Express' are generally positive, with viewers often highlighting its nostalgic appeal and heartwarming story. Many remember it fondly from their childhood, appreciating its gentle pacing and the positive themes of cooperation and holiday cheer.

Fun Fact

The animation for 'The Trolls and the Christmas Express' was done in Japan by Tad Gormley and his team, known for their work on other Rankin/Bass specials like 'The Year Without a Santa Claus' and 'Rudolph's Shiny New Year'.

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