Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Glisten and the Merry Mission’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Trinity Bliss as Marzipan in ‘Glisten and the Merry Mission’. (Still Courtesy of Build-A-Bear Entertainment.)

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

It is definitely safe to say that holiday films offer up some familiar formulas and concepts and it makes sense as to why. After all, the season is about birth and rebirth, and merriment and harmony and goodwill. So, it stands to reason that stories about forgiveness against those that have wronged us, or forgiveness for ourselves would resonate with us. And the same goes for stories that feature reflecting upon a better future and a better tomorrow, since it is also a season where we take inventory regarding our direction in life and where we should be headed. So, those stories stick with what they know, and we stick with them because those are good concepts to explore, and they do indeed bring us clarity and joy.
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But as the demand for more holiday themed content continues to grow and more studios and networks begin to offer it, something special is happening with these films. In that, they are beginning to branch out and offer up new stories and new concepts to ponder upon. The kind that showcases how the season is so much more than those baseline concepts, and can also teach us valuable lessons about life, and it just so happens that a holiday feature from Build-A-Bear Entertainment is now in theaters, that offers that more unique examination of the holiday season in Glisten and the Merry Mission. A feat that this film accomplishes, by introducing us to a very different type of North Pole than what we normally see in film.

For this North Pole, is more than just toy workshops and elves coming to and fro, it is in fact, a thriving community. Where elves live as the rest of us do and see ups and downs and do their best to get through hardships. Which is the case with Cinnameg, a single mother who is doing her best to raise her daughter Marzipan after they lost their father and it would seem that CInnameg’s new position at the Workshop will help with that. Since she is now second in command of making sure that all the toys are made and ready for Christmas Day. But… there’s just one problem. No one but her seems to notice that not enough toys are being made for the big day, and there’s a real chance that Christmas could be ruined if a sense of urgency doesn’t come to the workshop soon. A reality that stresses Cinnameg to no end and pushes Marzipan to do whatever must be done to save this big day. Even if that means risking life and limb to bring legends and outcasts into the fold. 

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Which as you can see, is a revolutionary plot for a holiday feature. Granted, there are some familiar elements, but featuring a single mom and featuring panic and worry and scrambling to have a great holiday season… are very human elements and experiences. Which we don’t see often in holiday films, but it really works here and makes the story accessible and relatable, and it does feature some very refreshing concepts as well. Since this story focuses less on self-forgiveness or focusing on healing from the past and more on… what we can do now in our community to make a difference as it struggles. For all of our communities need something to thrive, and this movie points out that one way to do that… is to put ego aside and come together as one to accomplish a collective miracle for the season, and that’s a nice message to see in these trying and divided times.
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Yet what’s amazing, is that this story has more amazing concepts to explore regarding the human condition and things we should actively be doing to try and make the world a better place. Such as offering people that have made mistakes, second chances and approaching new people when we meet them, without judgment. Because that problem is present here in some unique ways and creates more problems than anyone’s time is worth at the North Pole. Plus, let’s be honest… we take part in such close-minded behaviors as well… and we shouldn’t. Because we’re all in this life together, and we don’t have all the answers and will make mistakes, and denying people agency when they’ve stumbled or shunning them because they had a bad day, accomplishes nothing. And those lessons really do give rise to a new type of holiday story, one that very well could be the blueprint the future for the genre.
 
But of course, all lessons aside, what every parent really wants to know, is whether or not the movie is entertaining and fun as well, and the answer to that question… is a resounding yes. For this is an animated feature filled with comedy, and big adventures and beautiful visuals that captivate. Plus, it boats an all-star cast that includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Billy Ray Cyrus, Michael Rapaport, Dionne Warwick, Leona Lewis, and Chevy Chase, and they bring a wonderful zest and zeal to their roles that only immerses the audience further in a wonderful holiday story. One that offers thoughtful concepts and wholesome entertainment and the good news, is you can see this movie now in theaters and you should. Because you really cannot go wrong with enjoying a holiday movie that brings forth fresh ideas, and warm-hearted moments that stay with you long after the adventure has come to an end.

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