Of the thousands of plush teddy bears shipped from the factory to retail stores, only one had the misfortune of having his smile sewn on upside down. It is not until all his fellow bears are sold that the poor creature discovers what is obvious to every one else. He is defective.

The little bear's fondest dream is a good home where he can be loved and make someone happy, so he feels extremely dejected when he is sent to a second hand store. Kind Mr. Winkle, the shop owner, places this latest acquisition in the display window with an assortment of other rejected toys. Except for the watchdog, everyone is very accepting of the frowning newcomer who is still anxious to find a buyer. But as the days turn into weeks and months, the bear's prospects fade. So does his fuzzy coat--to an unusual shade of tangerine.

Based on Betty and Michael Paraskevas' popular children's book, this made for TV animation retains the gentle feel of a bedtime story. With soft vocals and narration by Trisha Yearwood, and an ensemble of notable voice talents including Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Tangie the bear) and Tom Bosley (Mr. Winkle), The Tangerine Bear is sure to charm young audiences while reminding them that being different makes one unique, and sometimes happiness is right under one's nose.

As a gesture of the good will of the season, Artisan's Family Home Entertainment division, who produce and distribute this film (which is for purchase only), are donating fifty cents per video and DVD sold to the Children's Starlight Foundation, an organization which provides comfort and entertainment to seriously ill children and their families.

The DVD format features some meager production and original story information. Cast biographies and a trivia game are also included, but because they are presented in text only, the non- reading youngsters most likely to be attracted to this movie will require some assistance.

So, even if the artwork and musical score are average, of the thousands of entertainment products shipped from the factory to retail stores, this one likely won't turn parents' smiles upside down.

Interested in owning a copy? Help support Grading The Movies by making your purchase through these links...
On DVD			On VHS

Talk about the movie with your family...

When Tangie (the bear) first arrives at the second hand store, the watchdog is very unfriendly. What changes his attitude toward the toys? How could you apply the toys' example in your home or school?

Other movies that feature talking playthings are Toy Story I and II. The second Toy Story movie and The Tangerine Bear both include a toy collector. What do these films teach about one's value in money versus the value of love?

Artisan's Family Home Entertainment has also produced three other animated holiday programs for the 2000 Christmas season. Like The Tangerine Bear, each features a singing narrator and an all-star voice cast. Check out our review of: Jingle Bells / O' Christmas Tree / We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

For other Christmas programs to enjoy as a family, check out our list in the Big Picture section titled, Christmas Cinema. While you are there, Sounds of the Season looks at music for the holidays.

Donna Gustafson

© 2000 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved