I was stunned that this aired at 7:30 on Christmas Eve. (!?!?!?!)I was too disgusted to watch the whole thing, so this won't be a complete review---but I saw enough to know that children shouldn't be exposed to this crude piece of trash.

This short Christmas movie wasn't too bad (though not entirely the best Christmas film I've ever seen either). I liked the fact that traditional animation was employed (as not many cartoons, let alone holiday ones, use that these days). I also liked how Murray decided to give the bad kids presents as well. Scenes such as where the dragon burned the king guy's piano--and when Santa was saying "Got to deliver this garbage to the brats"--made me laugh. But other humor that this special employed was quite offensive.Most notable in the offensive category is when Murray singing "I'm so gay" was taken out of context by the other characters; then he went on to apologize for singing it (but at least added "But that way is okay"). I also noticed how many colored characters (such as the doctor, police officer, and Santa) were painted as antagonists; yet other characters like Edison Elf and Murray (white characters) were painted as protagonists. While this may seem like a subtle point to make, I would have preferred to see some more "white" villains to not make the antagonists seem so segregated.Offensive jokes aside, there was one other problem with this special: a bad Santa Claus. I personally liked the twist, but I doubt that kids would enjoy seeing Santa in such a bad light--especially around Christmas time. The Santa in this special was cheap, cruel, a scrooge, and didn't even transform into a better person in the end; the only thing that made him humble was receiving a concussion--twice. But suffering a concussion isn't the same as changing your heart (and that was what this Santa really needed). I understand that cartoons need their antagonists; but making Santa the antagonist in a Christmas special just gives children a sour taste for the holidays.Finally (and this is my main concern), some jokes employed in this special were quite outdated. For instance, not many kids today would know that Doc Holiday's song about Santa's concussion was a parody of that song from Mary Poppins that starts with an "S" (the title is far too long to write), nor would they know much about the "Mighty Ducks" (which the Hindu salesman mentioned when he was checking-out Santa's merchandise). When Murray was trying to recall the names of his reindeer for the little boy, he said names such as "Bambi, Rambo, Dopey", etc. I'm not saying that all kids wouldn't catch-on; but the producers would have a better chance of it by referencing current people such as Donald Trump, the Kardashians, (Star Wars as they've been popular since the 80s), etc. That said, this special would have been better understood had it aired in the 90s. But the offensive material would still have had to been dealt with.Even with its shortcomings, "How Murray Saved Christmas" was still a pretty nice watch. It wasn't the best Holiday Special, but there were still redeeming qualities that made up for the bad--such as the traditional animation, an original and interesting setting (i.e. Stinky Cigars), and the fact that other Holiday mascots were present besides the Christmas ones (it made the special more interesting and entertaining that way). Additionally (even though he wasn't the best example for Christmas' jolly man), Santa was still an intriguing character to me. Again, I personally liked the twist; but I also have to consider his influence on children who still have to learn that Kris Kringle is a good man--not a bad one.

We just rented this show today and found it delightful from beginning to end! It is so clever, funny, creative, and thoroughly entertaining! All the songs are catchy and totally hum-able! The dialogue and rhymes require quick wit and superb timing! The entire voice cast is amazing and great! We usually stick with our fave Christmas shows (like "Rudolph" and "Charlie Brown" and "Grinch") but this Christmas special is worth watching again and again! Jerry Stiller is excellent as Murray - and the entire voice casting is perfect! Highly recommend this fresh, creative, funny show to any adult with a good sense of humor and an open mind for new Christmas shows!

'How Murray Saved Christmas' is a lighthearted holiday cartoon aimed at adults, period. (And on Christmas Day itself? Oy! Such a concept!) Fast paced and filled with so many inside literary, historic and pop culture jokes, puns and sight gags that only adults will get. Yes, this is not like your standard "Children, Santa Claus loves you and Christmas because . . . " cartoon that will sit well with those who grew up only on Frosty, Rudolph and Snoopy. But those who live west of the Hudson and south of Yonkers, or are familiar with all of the multicultural references in "How Murray Saved Christmas" will find this cartoon to be a hoot. And, yes, it is forty-two minutes of silly rhymes, plus over-the-top Broadway-style show tunes, to boot.